After a 92-7 vote, the former governor of Iowa will reprise his role heading up USDA.
Three weeks after a cakewalk of a confirmation hearing, Tom Vilsack was confirmed as President Biden’s Agriculture Secretary on Tuesday in a 92-7 vote, garnering support from both parties. Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders and Republicans Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Rand Paul were among those voting against his confirmation. Senators had scheduled twenty minutes to debate the nomination but no one spoke out against Secretary Vilsack on the floor. Democrats voted unanimously in favor of the former governor of Iowa.
Vilsack’s nomination drew sharp criticism from civil rights advocates and various food safety and progressive farm groups, though he ultimately won support from major players including the Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union.
Kaiser Permanente holds another food distribution for struggling families Kaiser Permanente Food Distribution Sunday. (Source: KP) By HNN Staff | February 21, 2021 at 12:53 PM HST - Updated February 21 at 12:53 PM
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Members of Kaiser Permanente banded together Sunday to participate in another food distribution event.
As a part of the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, facilitated by Hams Produce and Seafood, Kaiser Permanente volunteers gave out 1,000 boxes of fresh produce, protein and dairy products at their Waipio Medical Office.
The food giveaway benefitted Unite Here Local 5 workers and their families, who continue to suffer the loss of income due to the sluggish return of Hawaii’s visitor industry.
AMHERST, Mass. The University of Massachusetts is planning to return to in-person classes Monday after a previous surge in COVID-19 cases led the school to pause campus instruction for two weeks.University officials say recent restrictions have.
Published February 22. 2021 1:27AM
AMHERST, Mass. (AP) The University of Massachusetts is planning to return to in-person classes Monday after a previous surge in COVID-19 cases led the school to pause campus instruction for two weeks.
University officials say recent restrictions have helped reduce the spread of COVID-19, allowing the school to decrease its risk level from “high” to “elevated.” The decision was made with input from the state s Department of Public Health, according to a Friday message from Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy.
Students will be allowed to attend classes on campus as long as they comply with requirements to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week. Sports teams will be allowed to resume practices and away competitions, but there will be no home games until mid-March.