(WASHINGTON) – The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) today congratulated former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack on his nomination to become the nation’s 30th agriculture secretary. The Senate confirmed Vilsack’s nomination earlier today. AFGE, the nation’s largest federal employee union, is eager to work with Secretary Vilsack to enhance the safety of the nation’s food supply.
“President –elect Obama’s selection of Governor Vilsack is a very encouraging development for AFGE and the thousands of members of AFGE Council 45, which represents food inspectors,” AFGE National President John Gage said. “Labor has had a good relationship with Secretary Vilsack and labor supported him when he ran for governor of Iowa. We are confident he will give food safety a high priority during his tenure at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“America has one of the safest food supplies in the world, thanks to the hard work of inspectors on the front lines,” Gage added. “We look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack to ensure Americans continue to be confident the food they are eating is nutritious and healthy.”
Senate Confirmation hearings for Gov. Vilsack and many of President-elect Obama’s other cabinet choices are set to begin next week.