Document vVG4QGokZ6kR8j40NR6G7Vg19

ilice Cnpo United States Senator239 Crte::. Senate Office f05 li) James E, Riseli tin Sect States Senator 483 Russai) Senate Office Building Washington, D,C.. 20510 April 8, 2017 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania .Avenue, MW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We are writing to give you our strongest endorsement of Layne R. Bangertar for nomination as Under Secretary for Agriculture - Natural Resources and Environment. Layne's real-world experience, public service record and Western common sense make him an outstanding candidate for this position. You are likely already familiar with Layne from bis work as the Trump Campaign Director of Idaho, hut our association with Layne goes hack more than a decade when he began working for Senator Crapo as Senate State Director for Agriculture. Over the years, we developed an implicit trust in Layne. He represented Idaho well to tbs agriculture and natural resources community in idaho, and brought his extensive background into his review on the various circumstances we regularly encounter in these fields. Layne is one of the most personable individuals you will ever encounter. His network extends beyond geographic and policy-related circles, and helps inform his thought processes. He has friends In even,' corner of the globe. But that friendly exterior doesn't prevent him from providing critical analysis and expert review of challenging and controversial issues. He is a problem-solver who looks for collaborative ways to resolve conflict, but he also recognizes when if is necessary to forge ahead with the best solution available. His experience running his own farm/ranch gives him a much-needed perspective on how government edicts filter down to the actual ground. You have to search far and wide for someone with as much experience and common sense regarding natural resources, environment and agriculture issues. Layne knows these issues because he has lived with them for decades; he understands them through a government perspective because of his professional work in the Senate and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You fully understand the value of having people like Layne-- those with real-life experience-- In positions that will craft policy in your Administration. We urge you to give Layne serious and thoughtful consideration for the USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. Our country wiii benefit significantly with Layne helping advocate for commonsense and workable solutions. Sincerely, MIKE GRAFO United States Senator CJAMES E, RISCH United States Senator Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 2 ED 002061 00035802-00001