Secretary Ann Veneman -- Bush 43 Alum
Why she's supporting Harris-Walz in 2024
Growing up on a family farm, I learned early on the values of hard work, integrity, and community. These values shaped my public service in three Republican administrations, ultimately serving as Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush.
As our nation stands at a critical juncture, the upcoming presidential election presents a stark contrast in leadership and values, particularly for rural communities and agriculture. Having dedicated much of my career to advancing policies that improve the lives of Americans, I feel compelled to speak out about what is at stake and why we need new leadership that brings our country together, strengthens rural communities, and moves us forward. That is why I am supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president and vice president.
They understand that the heartbeat of America lies in its rural communities -- from the farmers who feed our nation and the world to the small businesses that create jobs and fuel local economies. Their plan for rural communities is a bold vision for the future that invests in economic growth, critical infrastructure, and greater access to care for families. Together, they offer the leadership we need to help agriculture and rural America thrive.
Harris and Walz will invest in small businesses and startups, ensure agriculture gets the tools and fair prices farmers deserve, and improve infrastructure—from fixing roads to expanding broadband. They also know that rural America has been hit hard by natural disasters, and their commitment to rebuilding will ensure farmers, families, and businesses can recover and succeed.
Donald Trump’s current tariff proposal is dangerous for rural America. It would raise prices on essential goods, harm farmers by undermining key trade relationships, and increase costs for consumers.
Access to healthcare is another critical issue for rural families. Harris and Walz will expand telemedicine, increase the number of rural doctors and nurses, and protect programs like Medicare and Medicaid that so many families rely on. Their proposal to support caregivers will ensure families get the help they need as they care for aging relatives or those with disabilities.
At a deeper level, Harris and Walz believe in values that unite us: dignity, respect, and hard work. These are the values that have been eroded by Trump’s rhetoric and divisive politics. His vision puts working families last and threatens to undo the progress we’ve made as a country. Additionally, his Project 2025 agenda would set America back, threatening to undo years of progress by rolling back critical policies that support working families, agriculture, and rural economies. His vision prioritizes division and pitting people against each other instead of bringing the country together. This is not the America I grew up in, and it’s not the example we want to set for our children.
We are at a crossroads. This election is about choosing a future where rural communities and agriculture can thrive, families are supported, and our leaders bring us together. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have the experience and vision to move us forward. I urge you to support them -- the future of rural America, and the future of our nation, depends on it.
Ann M. Veneman is a former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture serving under President George W. Bush. She also served in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush at USDA.