Letter

September 6, 2022

The Honorable Ron Wyden, Chairman
The Honorable Mike Crapo, Ranking Member
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo:

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture strongly supports President Biden’s nomination of Doug McKalip to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and asks you quickly approve his nomination. NASDA works closely with the senior leadership of the U.S. Trade Representative in support of expanded trade opportunities for the products of American agriculture and has consistently advocated for the appointment of highly qualified candidates to serve in these critical positions.

Throughout his three decades of leadership in critical roles in agriculture trade policy, including his current role as trusted advisor to Secretary Vilsack, Mr. McKalip has represented American farmers, ranchers and agriculture around the world and advocated for U.S. agricultural products and technology.

Mr. McKalip has the experience to promote US agriculture across the globe and the passion, demeanor, and diplomacy to succeed.

Our nation is facing considerable challenges within the supply chain, inflation, failing infrastructure, climate, diversity and inclusion, trade, workforce, and many others. The USTR needs knowledgeable and experienced leaders at the helm to navigate through these challenges and implement bipartisan solutions.

NASDA supports the nomination of Doug McKalip and asks the Committee to quickly advance his nomination.

Sincerely,

Ted McKinney
Chief Executive Officer

Date Sent:

September 6, 2022

Sender:

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney

Recipient:

U.S. Senate Committee on Finance leadership

Subject:

Support for Doug McKalip as Chief Agricultural Negotiator