Hearings to examine the nominations of Dudley Hoskins, of the District of Columbia, to be Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, and Scott Hutchins, of Indiana, to be Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, both of the Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

2025-05-21

Summary

The hearing was convened to consider the nominations of Mr. Dudley Hoskins as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Dr. Scott Hutchins as Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics [ 00:21:13-00:21:16 ] . Both nominees were welcomed, congratulated on their nominations, and thanked for their willingness to serve in these critical roles for American agriculture [ 00:21:30-00:21:37 ] [ 00:25:44-00:26:02 ]

. Committee members highlighted their extensive experience within the USDA and relevant fields [ 00:26:15-00:26:21 ] [ 00:30:21-00:30:26 ] .

Nominee Qualifications and Commitments

Mr. Hoskins's background includes serving as Senior Advisor to Secretary Perdue and Chief of Staff of Marketing and Regulatory Programs, alongside work for various agricultural organizations [ 00:30:21-00:30:26 ]

. He committed to supporting Secretary Rollins' leadership and ensuring a transparent, predictable, and science-based regulatory structure . Dr. Hutchins previously served as Deputy Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics and has over 30 years of experience in the private sector [ 00:31:25-00:31:32 ] . He expressed pride in being a product of the land-grant system and committed to fulfilling the mission outlined by Congress and the Secretary [ 00:39:34-00:39:46 ] . Both nominees thanked President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their nominations, and acknowledged the support of their families present at the hearing .

Challenges and Threats to American Agriculture

Senators emphasized that farmers face significant challenges, including high input costs, elevated interest rates, uncertain trade environments, and an ineffective farm safety net [ 00:21:42-00:21:57 ] . A primary concern discussed was the threat of pests and diseases, such as avian flu and New World Screwworm, which necessitate robust protection measures [ 00:23:15-00:23:46 ]

[ 00:26:34-00:26:43 ] . Mr. Hoskins affirmed an "all-hands-on-deck" approach for foreign animal disease threats and committed to implementing Secretary Rollins' five-pronged plan for avian flu [ 00:41:48-00:42:02 ] .

Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) Mission

The MRP mission area, encompassing the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is crucial for various functions, including beef grading, organic agriculture, foreign animal disease response, and market functionality [ 00:22:21-00:22:58 ] . APHIS plays a vital role in defending U.S. agriculture against threats and ensuring the integrity of agricultural products in international trade [ 00:26:43-00:27:03 ]

. AMS supports farmers through commodity procurement, specialty crop grants, and efforts to improve price transparency and combat unfair practices [ 00:27:29-00:27:52 ] . Mr. Hoskins pledged to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act and support market access initiatives at a technical and scientific level [ 01:14:06 ] [ 01:16:51-01:17:03 ] .

Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission

The REE mission is essential for advancing scientific knowledge through research, extension, and education, with a strong link to land-grant universities [ 00:24:10-00:24:33 ]

. Agricultural research yields significant economic returns, and continued investment is vital for developing the next generation of the workforce and addressing challenges through innovation, including AI and precision agriculture [ 00:28:05-00:28:44 ] . Dr. Hutchins committed to developing national priorities, focusing on discovery goals, and ensuring the best use of funding to benefit farmers [ 00:50:00-00:50:07 ] . Concerns were raised regarding proposed cuts to research funding and the importance of preventing such reductions [ 00:28:25-00:28:29 ] [ 01:29:43-01:30:04 ] .

USDA Staffing and Workforce Concerns

Several senators expressed concerns about significant staff reductions and buyouts within USDA, particularly affecting veterinarians and research personnel [ 00:26:54-00:27:03 ]

[ 00:51:25-00:51:39 ] . The loss of expertise was highlighted as potentially undermining the agencies' ability to protect agriculture and conduct research . Both nominees, while acknowledging the importance of career staff, stated they would commit to assessing staffing needs and supporting Secretary Rollins' public comments about ensuring an adequate workforce [ 01:11:49 ] .

Key Facilities and Relocation

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBATH) in Kansas, a significant investment in agricultural safety, was discussed, with concerns about its delayed full operational status . Dr. Hutchins committed to investigating the status of NBATH and ensuring its full commissioning [ 01:23:46 ]

. The relocation of ERS and NIFA to Kansas City was also brought up, with discussions about its success and the importance of physical presence for employees .

Adaptation to Climate Change and Extreme Weather

The increasing number of extreme weather events, such as wildfires, droughts, and floods, and their impact on producers, were discussed . Dr. Hutchins highlighted the potential of science and technology, including gene technologies, to develop crops and animals more resilient to heat and drought . He committed to continuing the research focus on resilience to various weather patterns .

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting maintained a largely respectful and cooperative tone [ 00:21:30 ] . Committee members expressed strong support for the nominees' qualifications and acknowledged the importance of their roles [ 00:30:16 ]

. While some senators raised pointed questions regarding staffing cuts and budget proposals, these were framed as concerns about the agency's effectiveness rather than direct challenges to the nominees' suitability [ 00:26:54-00:27:15 ] [ 01:29:43-01:30:04 ] . There was a shared emphasis on the critical nature of USDA's mission for American agriculture and a desire for continued collaboration [ 00:25:07 ] .