Two U.S. Senators, both Democrats, are asking President Trump to withdraw the nomination of Sam Clovis to be the chief scientist for the USDA.
Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Brian Schatz of Hawaii say Clovis is unqualified for the position and has expressed “hate” positions. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican, supports Clovis’ nomination and was asked by reporters two weeks ago about critics who say Clovis is not qualified to be USDA undersecretary of research, education and economics.
“I feel very strongly in supporting Clovis for this position and renouncing people that determine that only a person with a scientific background can be head of an agency where both science and economics are in the title of the agency.”
Grassley also said there’s a close relationship between decisions the government makes in science and the impact on the economy. Grassley was not asked about controversial statements Clovis has made.
Ranking Senate Ag committee chair Debbie Stabenow of Michigan supports the call to remove the nomination and says Clovis lacks the qualifications for the position as required by the farm bill.
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue supports Clovis, who is an advisor to Trump. Clovis was an economics professor at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. No Senate confirmation hearing date has been set yet.
Source: brownfieldagnews.com