Bipartisan Support From Georgia Delegation For Sonny Perdue

While many of Donald Trump’s nominees seem to be challenged by a Democratic party ready to lock down for united opposition, Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue has support not just from Georgia’s Republicans in Congress, but from 2nd District Congressman Sanford Bishop, a Democrat. Bishop is more than just a hometown Congressman. He’s the ranking member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations. As such, he’s got some clout in the area of the former Georgia Governor’s area of expertise.

Said Bishop, “I am pleased by the President-elect’s nomination of Sonny Perdue to lead USDA. I have a long working relationship with Governor Perdue since our time as members of the Georgia Senate, and I am confident in his ability to lead the Department. Governor Perdue, a trained veterinarian, is uniquely familiar with the importance of supporting farmers, ranchers, producers, and consumers, as Georgia boasts over 42,000 farms and an agricultural industry contributing over $71 billion annually to the Georgia and national economies. Further, having spent most of his life in Bonaire, Georgia, he knows firsthand the needs, hopes, and aspirations of rural America and will bring exceptional insight to the Department in that regard.

“The work carried out by USDA ensures our country remains an agriculture juggernaut, able to ensure food security both here and across the world. In addition to managing the nation’s farm programs, USDA is responsible for our nutrition safety nets, is the primary outlet of support for rural areas, and administers vital land conservation programs.

“These responsibilities are important not only for the nation’s economy, but also for our national security. Accordingly, as Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working closely with Secretary Perdue to ensure USDA has the necessary resources to successfully carry out its mission.”

The Republicans from Georgia sent out a joint press release demonstrating unity supporting Perdue. Their statements are as follows:

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01): “Former Governor Sonny Perdue is the perfect choice to lead the Department of Agriculture. As the top industry in our state, Georgians know how important agriculture is. As a two-term Governor of Georgia, Sonny has already proven himself to be a strong leader who will fight to ensure the agriculture industry is able to accomplish their important work. The hard work of our farmers, ranchers, and producers is critical to the production of the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world and I look forward to working with former Governor Perdue to ensure Washington doesn’t stand in their way.”

U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-03): “Sonny is an excellent choice to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. His experience as a veterinarian combined with his executive experience as a two-term governor make him uniquely qualified to lead the USDA. I have personally had the honor of working alongside Governor Perdue to create thousands of new jobs in Georgia. Sonny has always been committed to making sure businesses, and especially agriculture in Georgia, are successful. I look forward to working with him as the Secretary of Agriculture.”

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall (GA-07): “Georgians are well aware of Governor Perdue’s heart for service, and I have no doubt he will bring that same spirit and commitment to this new role. Having served as Governor of Georgia, whose number one industry is agriculture, his knowledge and experience in both the public and private sectors make him an excellent choice to lead the Department of Agriculture. It makes me very proud to see the role Georgia will be playing in moving America forward, and I look forward to partnering with him.”

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08), Member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit: “American’s will have a great Secretary of Agriculture in Sonny Perdue, and I am confident Sonny will be an excellent representative of our state in his service to our country’s agriculture communities. Agriculture is Georgia’s leading industry, so we’re glad to have someone who understands our state’s agricultural needs and act as a champion for the needs of our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09): “Sonny Perdue is an outstanding choice for Secretary of Agriculture. The experience he brings to that role will a boon to agricultural communities from coast to coast, including the poultry industry, which is a key part of Georgia’s livelihood.”

U.S. Rep. Jody Hice (GA-10): “Given his executive experience as a two-term Governor and his background as an agribusiness owner, Sonny Perdue is an outstanding choice to lead the Department of Agriculture. During his tenure as Governor, he shaped an agricultural policy that helped usher in a new era of economic growth. Agriculture remains the top industry in Georgia, and I look forward to working with Sonny as Secretary of Agriculture to continue supporting our farming communities.”

U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11): “It’s great to see my friend, former Governor Sonny Perdue, selected to serve as our next Agriculture Secretary. His proven leadership on Georgia’s agricultural interests teamed with his business background makes him an excellent choice to lead this department.”

U.S. Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12), Member of the House Committee on Agriculture: “From the farm he grew up on in Perry, Georgia to his service in the U.S. Air Force, veterinary and agribusiness career, and later Governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue makes an excellent and obvious choice for the next Secretary of Agriculture. Hailing from a state like Georgia, where agriculture is our number one industry, I am confident in Sonny’s ability to represent the interests of all American agriculture. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I look forward to his leadership and working with him to advance the needs of our farmers and the industry as a whole.”

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (GA-14): “Governor Perdue is the perfect choice to lead the Agriculture Department. Between his work as a veterinarian and agribusiness owner to his eight years as governor, he’s walked the fields of Georgia to the halls of the executive office. He has the right combination of experience, and I have no doubt that Sonny will serve the American people well.”

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