Senator Chuck Grassley, of Iowa, today made the following comment after President Bush announced that Governor Mike Johanns will be his nominee to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. Johanns called Grassley earlier this morning to talk about the nomination.
"Mike Johanns will make a positive impact on the Department of Agriculture. Growing up on an Iowa dairy farm, he understands the need for a Department that works for the family farmer. He also has been a strong advocate for value-added agriculture, at one point leading the 25-state Governor’s Ethanol Coalition.
"During this process I have said that the next agriculture secretary must have a strong background in international trade. As governor, he has demonstrated that he understands the importance of trade to the future of a prosperous agriculture community.
"Governor Johanns knows agriculture policy and rural America. I look forward to working with him."
***An audio comment from Sen. Grassley is available by dialing 1-800-545-1267. Enter Senator Grassley's voice mail box number, 500, then follow the prompts.
The comment is also available through Senator Grassley's website,
http://grassley.senate.gov
and clicking on "news" and then "radio actualities."