Sam Clovis nomination for USDA Under Secretary still pending

by | Oct 20, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

It looks as though Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will be confirmed, by the U.S. Senate, as USDA Under Secretary sometime next week. The situation looks to be the same for Nebraska and Indiana?s Secretaries of Agriculture.

However, there is one nomination still in limbo. The Iowan is drawing fire from Democrats who do not like his philosophy.

We discovered an interview with Sam Clovis, professor at Morningside College, when he was running for U.S. Senator. During the interview, reporters asked Clovis about agriculture, particularly crop insurance, and what cuts he would make if elected.

Clois is a conservative Republican, but is he too conservative to assume a position within the Trump Administration? His words, your judgement.

Sam Clovis spent many years in the United States Air Force, serving as part of the Inspector General?s post. Clovis has also been a talk show host, and now is a college professor. He is outspoken, which seems to have gotten him in trouble with Senate Democrats. They feel his positions are too extreme to be given a job within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Some argue Clovis, who was nominated for an Under Secretary position as chief scientist, is not a scientist.

The following interview, aired on Iowa Public Radio May 21, 2014, took place during Clovis? run for U.S. Senator. The issue surrounding this interview is Clovis? reaction to crop insurance. Clovis claimed crop insurance to be unconstitutional, but his comments show a broader view of opposition.