Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott released the following statement on the passing of Bill Northey:

"American agriculture has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of former USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey. Bill's service as an advocate stemmed from his leadership in commodity circles to his time as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and then at USDA as the person responsible for the commodity, farm lending, and conservation programs. He was a fourth-generation farmer trying to make sure USDA programs worked for farmers. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to his wife Cindy and the whole Northey family as well as his friends and colleagues, past and present. Bill's loss is especially hard, given the passing late last year of his father Wayne, who instilled the passion to serve and help folks in Bill."