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Secretary Ann M. Veneman on President's Decision to Appoint Tom Dorr as Under Secretary of USDA's Rural Development Agency
August 6, 2002

"I am pleased with the President's decision to appoint Tom Dorr as Under Secretary of USDA's Rural Development Agency.

"As a family farmer from Iowa, Tom brings more than thirty years of experience, understanding and knowledge of rural issues and values to this position. I have confidence that he will work tirelessly to advance the President's agenda by strengthening programs to help families and businesses in rural communities throughout America.

"Under Tom's leadership USDA will work hard to implement the many aspects of the new farm bill that are aimed at enhancing rural development programs. And, there is no doubt that he will manage this agency with integrity, fairness and the ingenuity that is needed to strengthen rural development programs in the future.

"With so many opportunities and challenges facing rural America, under Tom's leadership, we can now begin to more effectively deliver the critical programs to help rural families and communities throughout our nation."

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