As Tennessee members of the House of Representatives, we are honored to support the nomination of Stephen Alexander Vaden as deputy secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
A native of west Tennessee, Vaden is currently serving a lifetime appointment as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade. Vaden combines a wealth of legal expertise, extensive agricultural experience, and a nuanced understanding of global trade. These qualities make him exceptionally suited to help lead the USDA in advancing policies that serve American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
President Donald Trump has always been a champion for rural America. His nomination of Vaden reinforces that commitment. By selecting a farmer from rural west Tennessee, Trump is placing a leader in his administration who deeply understands the realities of rural life and the agricultural industry.
Vaden grew up on his family farm in Union City, Tennessee. It was there that he developed a deep appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and challenges that American farmers face every day. Today, he continues to manage operations there, carrying forward his family’s agricultural legacy. Vaden understands firsthand the hardships of fluctuating commodity prices, rising input prices, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment. These experiences have fueled his passion for ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and thriving industry.
Throughout his career, Vaden has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for America’s producers. As general counsel at USDA during Trump’s first term, he led efforts to streamline regulatory processes to better serve rural communities and implemented the 2018 farm bill. His focus on expanding international markets and advocating for free trade will be crucial for the future of agriculture. With the U.S. set to hit a record agricultural trade deficit, Vaden’s leadership will be essential in addressing this imbalance and leveling the playing field for American farmers.
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What further distinguishes Vaden is his service as a federal judge. Vaden was nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate to serve on the U.S. Court of International Trade. His legal skill and in-depth knowledge of trade law enable him to offer sound guidance to the USDA as it develops effective policies and regulations. In this day and age, international market forces are rapidly shifting, and the agricultural sector is facing increased volatility. Vaden’s ability to ensure both efficient and fair executive practices will prove vital for domestic producers. As a judge, he has presided over key trade cases, including rulings on unfair trade practices and import restrictions that posed a threat to domestic producers. These decisions have directly strengthened the stability of U.S. agriculture in an increasingly competitive global market.
In Tennessee, agriculture is not just an industry but a way of life. We look forward to having a deputy secretary who understands the unique challenges facing our rural communities. With his roots in Union City, Vaden is uniquely qualified to advocate for policies that will keep our farms competitive on the global stage. In the coming years, Vaden’s leadership will be crucial as Congress negotiates a new farm bill that addresses labor issues, improves market access, and strengthens the resilience of our supply chains.
We are confident that Vaden’s confirmation will be a crucial step in securing a prosperous future for the Americans who feed, clothe, and fuel the world. Trump has chosen the right man to help make American agriculture great again.
Reps. David Kustoff, Diana Harshbarger, Tim Burchett, Chuck Fleischmann, Scott DesJarlais, Andy Ogles, John Rose and Mark Green are Republican members of the House from Tennessee.