The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) called for the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Doug McKalip as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).  t

The Senate Finance Committee voted in favor of the nomination. The committee held a hearing on McKalip in July.

“We thank the Senate Finance Committee for its action today in support of Mr. McKalip’s nomination and the committee’s recognition of just how important this position is for American agriculture,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “McKalip understands the needs of the U.S. dairy industry, agricultural workers and the rural economy, having skillfully served in numerous government roles touching on agricultural issues throughout his career. Now, we ask the full Senate to take up the matter and approve McKalip’s nomination in the coming few weeks. Time is of the essence, as USTR considers a broad range of new trade endeavors.”

McKalip has decades of experience representing the interests of U.S. agriculture, having served in an array of leadership positions at USDA and the White House.

“It is deeply unfortunate that the position of chief agricultural negotiator has gone unfilled for so long,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Today’s Senate Finance Committee vote in support of Mr. McKalip’s nomination is a critical step toward getting U.S. agriculture’s chief advocate installed at USTR. Given the strength of his credentials and the urgency in advancing the U.S. agricultural trade agenda, we ask the Senate to act without delay to approve McKalip. As the U.S. prepares to advance numerous trade policy vehicles that hold the potential to positively impact our exports, it’s essential that agriculture’s seat at the table be filled.”