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Northey caught in middle of political skirmish
Photo courtesy Dennis Morrice, KLEM, Le Mars, Iowa
Iowa ag secretary Bill Northey, whose USDA confirmation vote has been delayed by an “oil versus ethanol” political skirmish in the Senate, says he’s staying focused on his current job while things play out in Washington.
“I really don’t know more than anybody else,” Northey says. “So for right now, I’m worrying more about harvest in Iowa and policies out here and how I can be helpful.
“I don’t know what that timing could be. It could be a matter of days or it could be a matter of months.”
Northey made those comments during a recent visit to northwest Iowa. His nomination to be USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation has been held up by Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who is demanding a meeting with President Trump to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Cruz is reportedly retaliating against Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, who were successful in getting EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to drop proposed changes to the RFS.
Dennis Morrice, KLEM, Le Mars, Iowa contributed to this story.
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