Stephen Vaden was confirmed as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture by the United States Senate on July 10.
Vaden’s confirmation vote came after a monthslong wait. He was nominated for the position in January.
With the appointment, Vaden returns to the United States Department of Agriculture, where he previously served as General Counsel from 2017 to 2020. Vaden has also recently served as a judge on the Court of International Trade.
“I’m pleased the Senate confirmed Judge Vaden to be USDA Deputy Secretary,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, R-Arkansas. He is a dedicated public servant and is well-prepared to continue his service in this new role. His knowledge of agriculture policy and the needs of America’s farm communities will be valuable as a leader at the department. I congratulate him and look forward to working together to help our hardworking farmers, ranchers and producers succeed.”
In advance of the vote, Boozman spoke on the floor calling on his colleagues to confirm Judge Vaden.
Industry reaction
Leaders of agricultural organizations expressed confidence in Vaden as he takes on his new role.
“I know Stephen will be a strong advocate for farmers and ranchers,” said American Soybean Association CEO Stephen Censky. “The job of the Deputy Secretary is broad, whether it is serving as chief operating officer of USDA or providing key advice to the Secretary and others in the cabinet or the White House. I’m thrilled that he has been confirmed and look forward to Stephen joining Secretary (Brooke) Rollins and her team at USDA.”
Censky himself is a former USDA Deputy Secretary, having served in that role at the same time Vaden was USDA General Counsel.
“Farm Bureau congratulates Stephen Vaden on his confirmation to be the next Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. His deep-rooted commitment to agriculture began on his family farm in Tennessee and has continued through his previous work at USDA and as a judge on the Court of International Trade,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.
“There is a lot of work to be done, and Judge Vaden will hit the ground with a firm understanding of the challenges facing America’s farmers. We look forward to engaging with him to create opportunities for farmers and ranchers to continue growing the food, fuel and fiber families rely on.”
