The President has served the country well by making a recess appointment of Elisabeth Hagen, M.D. to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety.  The post has been vacant for two years.  While career staff have continued day-to-day operations of this important public health program, efforts to modernize the program have stalled.

Dr. Hagen, currently the USDA Chief Medical Officer, brings to the position excellent medical training and substantial knowledge of the USDA’s food safety programs. No member of the Senate questioned her qualifications. There is every reason for the Senate to confirm her nomination as soon as they return from the August recess.