Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Alexander Vaden during a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recent reorganization proposal.

During the hearing, Senator Marshall discussed the potential benefits of relocating USDA operations to Kansas City. He noted its proximity to several major universities and agricultural research centers. “Mr. Vaden, welcome. Glad you’re here today. In your testimony, you were mentioning some of the advantages of moving to some of these communities. And I would just point out that you failed to mention that moving to Kansas City that suddenly you would have the advantage of being a Chiefs fan, rather than suffering through another year here with the Washington Commanders. You failed to mention, to be within an hour of the most storied basketball program in the nation, and just barely two hours away from the first land-grant university in America.

“And I just would want to give you a chance to talk a little bit more. You think about the Kansas City Metro, within a two-hour drive of the Iowa State University, the Nebraska University, Missouri, Arkansas…. How far away is Auburn? Not too far. So, my point is, you know what? You can’t coach talent. You have to have talent, and within just miles of there, some of the greatest ag research in the world. How important is that to American agriculture to have, let alone the affordability issues you mentioned?”

Deputy Secretary Vaden responded by highlighting both existing assets and future opportunities for collaboration in Kansas City: “It’s vital. And I want to add to the mix, NBAF. We haven’t forgotten about that. You haven’t either. I know there’s some unfinished business left there. But when you think about the potential that facility has and the technology and level of research that can go on there that are vital for the future of American agriculture, you’ve pointed to many of the reasons why Kansas City also joined as one of our five hubs.

“The Department put some thought into this. We want to spark that level of collaboration that you have noted, whether it be with our land grant and non-land grant university partners, whether it be with individual farmers, whether it be with local Chamber of Commerce in an area that is driven and motivated even though it may be in an urban setting by agriculture.

“I know that you’re well aware that Federal Reserve has a location in Kansas City and we’re looking at shape of agricultural economy for inclusion in Beige Book so we look at what Kansas City Fed has say USDA will be able take advantage all these synergies not only Kansas City but other hubs we laid out.”

Senator Marshall also addressed concerns about employee presence at USDA offices over recent years: “Over past four years it was reported only 6% USDA employees were in office as well And more crescendo complaints from my ag producers back home they could work their local FSA officer or conservation officer but then report get somehow clogged here DC I want compliment White House on $10 billion appropriated spring; within days my farmers had help they needed.

“And then more recently I think it was $16 billion so something working right from standpoint customer services And I just can’t help but think when you're when people working for USDA out there going church going soccer match all those type things with local farmers ranchers is going better service wealth So just talk customer service how impacted by these people net net moving out into hinterlands as call it.”

Vaden replied: “Well I don’t consider it hinterlands I consider home Senator But regard having more people field we agree with you we think level service will improve Not only do we agree with you even if had disagreement Congress legislated this point another matter drove consideration plan looking at USDA reorganization authority which granted us Congress 1953

“And if actually look statute I'm former judge so tend look statutes What does statute say The statute says carrying out law quote 'the Secretary shall seek simplify make efficient operation Department Agriculture place administration farm programs close state local levels' close quote from statute This exactly what Congress intended maximum amount USDA resources dedicated out field not Washington D.C.”

Marshall concluded his remarks by expressing support for trade policies under President Trump: “Just want make last point President Trump’s tariffs are working He made incredible trade deals going open up markets never had access before We’ve never sold cheeseburger all Europe Ethanol 40% our corn crop goes ethanol Suddenly EU UK all countries buying ethanol as well We’re seeing manufacturing jobs move back country because tariffs as well American agriculture benefit significantly long-term trade Agreements long-term success as well can’t wait see what’s next coming out White House tariffs Thank Mr Chairman yield back.”