Hearings to examine the nominations of Arjun Mody, of New Jersey, to be Deputy Commissioner Social Security for the term expiring January 19, 2031, Jeffrey Goettman, of Virginia, to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative (Africa, Western Hemisphere, Europe, the Middle East, Environment, Labor, and Industrial Competitiveness), with the Rank of Ambassador, Julie Callahan, of the District of Columbia, to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador, and Thomas Bell, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services.

2025-10-29

Summary

This hearing convened to consider the nominations of Arjun Modi for Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Jeff Getman for Deputy USTR, Dr. Julie Callahan for Chief Agriculture Negotiator at USTR, and March Bell for Inspector General of the Health and Human Services Department[ 00:28:27-00:31:09 ] . The session was marked by sharp political disagreements between the Chairman and Ranking Member regarding critical national issues such as the ongoing government shutdown, healthcare affordability, and the administration's trade policies[ 00:37:36-00:37:46 ]

. Nominees were questioned extensively on their qualifications, policy positions, and commitment to upholding the law amidst these contentious debates[ 00:31:41-00:31:41 ] .

Nominee Qualifications and Public Service Commitment

The Chairman, Michael Crapo, introduced all four nominees, emphasizing their extensive public sector experience and suitability for their respective roles[ 00:29:14-00:31:09 ] . Senator John Barrasso specifically endorsed Arjun Modi, highlighting his 15 years of experience shaping Senate work and his ability to solve problems and modernize organizations like the Social Security Administration. Each nominee affirmed their commitment to public service and pledged to uphold the law, although some responses to specific scenarios were met with skepticism by the Ranking Member[ 01:13:03 ]

Political Divisions and Government Dysfunction

A significant portion of the hearing was dominated by political sparring between Chairman Crapo and Ranking Member Ron Wyden[ 00:37:36 ]

. Wyden criticized the committee for ignoring pressing healthcare affordability issues and the government shutdown, alleging Republican inaction and a "textbook case of failure" to conduct oversight. Crapo countered by placing blame on Democrats for the shutdown and for demanding excessive healthcare spending instead of negotiating "meaningful healthcare reform". Concerns were also raised regarding the legality of Inspector General firings under the Trump administration and its implications for the independence of oversight bodies.

Healthcare and Social Security Oversight

Discussion centered on critical challenges facing federal healthcare and Social Security programs. Ranking Member Wyden expressed alarm over soaring healthcare premiums, citing constituent examples and lamenting the lack of committee hearings on the subject[ 00:37:46-00:38:34 ]

. He questioned Mr. Bell's impartiality for the HHS Inspector General role, citing past "witch hunts" and allegations of targeting political opponents. For Social Security, Wyden raised concerns about Mr. Modi's limited direct experience and the agency's ongoing customer service crisis and alleged lack of transparency regarding performance metrics. In response, Mr. Bell committed to investigating Medicare Advantage fraud, reducing nursing home paperwork, and overseeing federal funds related to assisted suicide and abortion facilities[ 01:35:41-01:35:52 ] [ 01:36:41-01:36:53 ] [ 01:37:58-01:38:12 ] [ 01:38:58-01:39:00 ] . Mr. Modi outlined his focus on premier customer service, recruitment, and public affairs to address SSA's operational challenges.

Trade Policy and Agricultural Market Access

The nominees for the USTR positions, Mr. Getman and Dr. Callahan, faced intense scrutiny regarding the administration's trade policies and their impact on American industries. Dr. Callahan, nominated as Chief Agriculture Negotiator, committed to tackling non-tariff barriers, particularly from China, and expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products like beef, wheat, and soybeans[ 01:25:17-01:25:22 ]

. She acknowledged the challenges posed by China's "weaponization of agriculture" and foreign competitors filling market voids[ 01:25:28 ] . Several senators, including Grassley, Daines, Bennett, and Warren, voiced concerns about the impact of tariffs on input costs, Argentine beef imports, and the inconsistency of trade policy on U.S. farmers and small businesses[ 01:18:33-01:18:43 ] . Mr. Getman, nominated as Deputy USTR, highlighted the need to support American manufacturing and address unfair foreign trading practices, drawing on his experience with deindustrialization in towns like Springfield, Ohio.

Summary of the Tone of the Meeting

The meeting exhibited a highly polarized and contentious tone, primarily driven by sharp disagreements between Democratic and Republican members over the administration's policies[ 00:37:36-00:37:46 ]

. While nominees generally maintained a professional demeanor, several of their answers were perceived as evasive, particularly when pressed on politically sensitive issues or specific policy impacts[ 01:12:16-01:12:19 ] . The persistent questioning on the government shutdown, rising healthcare costs, and the economic consequences of trade tariffs underscored a deep partisan divide and a sense of urgency regarding national challenges[ 00:37:46-00:38:20 ] .