Wyden Applauds Senate Confirmation of Key USTR and HHS Nominees

Senate cleared Doug McKalip as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for USTR and Rebecca Jones Gaston as Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families at HHS

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today welcomed Senate confirmation of Doug McKalip as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Rebecca Jones Gaston as Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Both nominees cleared the Senate today by voice vote.

Wyden released the following statement:

"After being stalled for months, I'm glad to see these highly qualified nominees confirmed before the end of the year.

"Doug McKalip has just the experience necessary to help America's farmers and ranchers meet the challenges of today as he serves as the top trade advocate for U.S. agriculture. He's ready for the big job ahead to address key issues like food affordability, lowering costs for farmers, and busting through trade barriers to support American ag exports. I'm looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator.

"The mission of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families is to help vulnerable kids and their families stay safe and get ahead. This challenging work requires strong leadership in place, and Rebecca Jones Gaston is just the person for the job. I am especially grateful that she will take the torch in overseeing the implementation of my Family First Prevention Services Act and keeping more families together.

"I have full confidence that Mr. McKalip and Ms. Jones Gaston will both serve the American people well and are ready to hit the ground running in their respective roles."

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