WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today held a hearing on the nominations of Dan Michael Berkovitz to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and James E. Hubbard to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“While serving different functions, both the CFTC and USDA play critically important roles in supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners while also ensuring our federal lands are properly managed,” said Chairman Roberts.

“The Committee has been reviewing and considering nominations as quickly as possible. It is crucial to have these positions filled, as they both are very important positions at the CFTC and the Department of Agriculture.”  

To watch the hearing and read testimony, click here.

Click here to watch Chairman Roberts’ opening statement. Below are Chairman Roberts’ remarks as prepared for delivery:

I call this hearing of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee to order.

I thank my colleagues for joining me in reviewing the nominations of the individuals before us today.

Mr. Dan Berkovitz of Maryland for the position of Commissioner of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and Mr. James Hubbard of Colorado for the position of Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment.

While serving different functions, both the CFTC and USDA play critically important roles in supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners while also ensuring our federal lands are properly managed.

The Committee has been reviewing and considering nominations as quickly as possible. It is crucial to have these positions filled, as they both are very important positions at the CFTC and the Department of Agriculture.

The Committee has received multiple expressions of support for the nominees from organizations in the agriculture, natural resources, and financial market sectors. I am very grateful to all of the organizations for voicing their support of these nominees.

Without objection, I am entering the letters of support into the record.

Gentlemen, I also note that you have family and friends in the audience today. Allow me to welcome you all to the Ag Committee. Would you please stand?

Again, I thank the nominees for being here today, and I look forward to your testimony. I now recognize my distinguished colleague, Ranking Member Stabenow, for her opening remarks.

–The Office of U.S. Senator Pat Roberts

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