December 17, 2008

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement today after President-elect Obama nominated Sen. Ken Salazar to be Secretary of Interior and former Gov. Tom Vilsack to be Secretary of Agriculture:

"Senator Ken Salazar is exceptionally qualified to be our next Secretary of Interior.  During his time in the U.S. Senate, Salazar has proven himself as a strong and thoughtful leader.  He knows the American West, he knows the importance of working across party lines to get things done, and he is committed to providing the leadership we need to meet some of our nation's greatest challenges – including increasing our energy security and meeting the water needs of the coming century.  In this new role, Salazar will also restore the Department's tarnished reputation on science and ethics, and will work with tribal leaders to address the needs of Indian Country.

"With almost 90 percent of its land managed by federal agencies, Nevada feels the impact of nearly every decision made by the Department of Interior.   I look forward to working closely with Senator Salazar in his new role.

"Gov. Vilsack will bring strong leadership to the Department of Agriculture.  As the twice-elected former Governor of Iowa, he respects the importance of farming and ranching in rural America.  Vilsack understands the vital importance of food and nutrition, conservation, energy, and rural-development programs, and will take up the challenge of implementing sustainable and reform-minded farm bill projects."

###