“I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr. Basil Ivanhoe Gooden on his Senate confirmation as Under Secretary of Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Revitalizing rural America is a key principle for House Agriculture Democrats as we continue working on the farm bill. From bringing billions of dollars in investments in renewable energy to rural communities to ensuring a strong farm and food safety net for our Nation’s producers and rural families, we are committed to championing the needs of rural America. “Dr. Gooden’s extensive experience touches on many issues important to rural communities, including affordable housing, wealth development in distressed communities, and improving infrastructure. His tenure as Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for the Commonwealth of Virginia and most recently as Director of State Operations for USDA’s Office of Rural Development make him a remarkably qualified candidate for the role of Under Secretary of Rural Development.”
