Controversy Over USDA Science Nominee

Members of Congress are calling for the nomination of Sam Clovis to be Department of Agriculture Undersecretary of Research, Education, and Economics to be withdrawn. Reports have recently come to light of Clovis’ incendiary remarks when he hosted a conservative talk radio show. News outlets have found clips of Clovis promoting the birther movement about President Obama and calling then-Attorney General Eric Holder a “racist black.” Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) said in a joint statement, “President Trump should withdraw the Clovis nomination immediately - not only because he is a proud ‘skeptic’ of climate change and wildly unqualified for the position of USDA Chief Scientist - but also as a gesture to the American people that this administration is serious about rooting out the most hateful voices in our society.” If the nomination is not withdrawn, the Senators will “vehemently” oppose the nomination. The scientific community has expressed concern that Clovis does not meet the qualifications to hold the position. The 2008 farm bill requires that the President make the appointment “from among distinguished scientists with specialized training or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics.”      
Source: Public Policy Reports - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news