USDA's Alexis Taylor (left) and USTR's Doug McKalip
Dec 23, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC – Amid the flurry of legislative action here this week, the final days of the 117th Congress brought the confirmation of two key political agricultural trade officials. Both nominees had been entangled in political holds since this summer for issues with their respective agencies, unrelated to their qualifications or their specific roles.
On Wednesday, Alexis Taylor was confirmed by voice vote by the U.S. Senate as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
“USA Rice appreciates the nomination and now confirmation of Alexis Taylor as USDA’s second ever Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward. “We’re confident her extensive experience, former leadership roles at USDA, and strong working relationship with Secretary Vilsack will lead to more market access opportunities for the U.S. rice industry and the rest of U.S. agriculture.”
On Thursday, the last remaining hold on Doug McKalip was lifted and he was confirmed by voice vote as the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Chief Agriculture Negotiator.
“USA Rice congratulates Doug McKalip on his confirmation as USTR’s Chief Ag Negotiator,” said Ward. “We cannot overstate how critical the agriculture branch at USTR is for our industry, and so we look forward to working closely with Doug to ensure that U.S. agriculture is at the negotiating table. Our industry will rely heavily on Ambassador McKalip to help level the playing field for the U.S. rice industry, particularly by addressing India’s egregious WTO violations, and ensuring that we take advantage of every opportunity to expand market access for U.S. rice.”