Dear Secretary Veneman:
As you know, I attended the nomination hearing of your new Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Mr. Vernon Parker. I stated during the hearing that I would like to witness Assistant Secretary Parker have success in overcoming USDA's problems and assist in any capacity that I can. I place great importance on Civil Rights and the plight of underserved farmers and disadvantaged USDA employees.
Several weeks ago Asst. Sec. Parker briefed the staff of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. During that briefing he outlined in broad principles his vision for the office of Civil Rights. He declined to give specifics, and indicated that he would at a later date, once agency officials have had the opportunity to comment.
By my calculation, Asst. Sec. Parker has been in the job approximately 90 days. I would like to know what are his specific plans for the office? I would also like to know what current and future resources have been made available to Asst. Sec. Parker and what autonomy Asst. Sec. Parker will have in organizing the Office of Civil Rights? Employee organizations have contacted my office regarding the enormous backlog of employee complaints at USDA. What, if anything, is presently being done to bring immediate closure to these cases?
I would also like to know what is being done to allow the Office of Civil Rights greater autonomy from the Office of General Counsel? Autonomy is another source of criticism from independent third party analysis, namely the EEOC, and the Commission on Civil Rights (whose criticism's made the news recently in a GovExec.com column June 24th).
At Asst. Sec. Parker's hearing I told him to "expect roadblocks". I have yet to hear about any new specific plan or witness any improvements that might help remedy these egregious problems at USDA. Asst. Sec. Parker will only succeed if you provide the resources and "clear the road" for him. For that reason I am asking for your input and assistance.
I look forward to your prompt response. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chuck Grassley
United States Senator