NPR

Biden Plans To Bring Vilsack Back To USDA, Despite Criticism From Reformers

Vilsack served as secretary of agriculture during the Obama Administration, and has been a trusted advisor to President-elect Biden. But critics say his time has passed.
Tom Vilsack served as secretary of agriculture during the Obama Administration, and has been a trusted advisor to President-elect Biden.

President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Obama cabinet veteran and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as secretary of agriculture, a source familiar with transition discussions confirmed to NPR.

Vilsack returns to an agency he helmed for eight years as Obama's agriculture secretary.

The United States Department of Agriculture is best known for supporting farmers, but actually has a much greater impact on the country through its funding of food aid programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and school meals. The USDA that one in four Americans takes advantage of at least one of these food programs during a typical year.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR9 min read
How 'I Saw The TV Glow' Made A 'Teen Angst Classic' Soundtrack For The Ages
The newly released psychological horror film I Saw the TV Glow possesses a star-studded original soundtrack that stands on its own as a great, angsty album.
NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
How Does Trump's Trial End? It May Hinge On How Jurors Feel About Sex And Privacy
The Trump's Trials team breaks down why prosecutors have a timeline problem, what Michael Cohen's testimony so far has shown, and why it may all come down to a question of sex and privacy in the end.
NPR3 min read
Taiwan's New President Urges China To Stop Its Military Intimidation
Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te in his inauguration speech has urged China to stop its military intimidation against the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own territory.

Related Books & Audiobooks