Amy Klobuchar Questions USDA Nominee on Avian Flu, Research Cuts, and Expertise Loss

Avian Flu Response and Vaccine Development

• 💡 The nominee, Mr. Hoskins, outlines a five-pronged approach to combat High Path Avian Influenza (AI), emphasizing an "all hands" strategy.
• 🔬 If confirmed, he commits to a science-based approach for any potential vaccine development and deployment, considering efficacy and consulting the entire stakeholder community.
• ⚠️ He acknowledges that vaccinating one production system could have international market access implications for others.

Role of Research, Education, and Economics

• 🧠 The nominee highlights the phenomenal capability and capacity of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) organization, including facilities like the NBAI and veterinary laboratories.
• 🚀 He plans to advance the mission by continuously seeking promising science development and utilizing new tools like AI to prevent disease scenarios.
• 🤝 The REE agencies have unmatched partnerships with other agencies, enabling them to work hand-in-hand to develop methods to eliminate invasive organisms.

Advocating for Research Funding

• 📊 Mr. Hoskins states he is an advocate for research, focusing on the outcomes, results, and solutions it provides.
• ✅ He commits to making the absolute best use of any funding provided by Congress to benefit farmers, ranchers, and consumers.

Addressing Loss of Expertise and Staffing

• 📉 Concerns are raised about the administration's buyout program, which resulted in the loss of 1,600 employees from the USDA mission area, including over 1,200 from the ARS, an 18% workforce reduction.
• 📌 Without adequate staff, research cannot happen, regardless of technological advancements.
• 🎯 To address this, the nominee will assess resources, focus on the most important outcomes and projects, and target available resources to fill key vacant positions.

Protecting Domestic Animals Amidst Cuts

• ⚠️ The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) office has lost half its staff, impacting testing and quality assurance.
• 📉 The vet services office is set to lose 23% of its workforce.
• 🛡️ The nominee will work to ensure APHIS continues to protect domestic animals from threats and is not undermined by staff or funding cuts.