Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has committed to helping get the hold lifted on USDA nominee Bill Northey. That hold was placed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz after EPA committed not to change U.S. biofuels policy. Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Recker is pleased with the development and is hoping for confirmation soon.
He says it’s critical Northey get approved so he’ll be in place to help with the writing of the new farm bill.
Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst say that Northey needs to be in place no later than early December. Recker says it needs to happen as soon as possible.
Senator Cruz placed the hold on Northey’s nomination and demanded a meeting with the White House on biofuels policy issues. That meeting has not taken place.
