Ag Policy Blog

Senate Ag Committee Advances USDA Secretary Nominee Brooke Rollins

Jerry Hagstrom
By  Jerry Hagstrom , DTN Political Correspondent
Brooke Rollins testifies before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on her nomination as Agriculture Secretary in late January. The committee voted Monday evening to unanimously advance her nomination to the full Senate. (image from video livestream)

The Senate Agriculture Committee late Monday approved President Trump's nomination of Brooke Rollins to be Agriculture secretary.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., the ranking member on the committee, said she would support the nomination, but that Democrats are worried about workforce, tariff and conservation issues.

The vote was 23 to 0. with all members of the committee voting for Rollins.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., a member of the committee, told DTN that he wants to bring up Rollins' nomination to the floor as soon as possible, but "the pipeline is filled for this week."

The American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Sugar Alliance, the International Dairy Foods Association and the International Fresh Produce Association all called on the Senate to act quickly on Rollins' confirmation.

In a letter to Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall called for a swift confirmation vote.

"I respectfully urge you to prioritize her confirmation and work with your colleagues to ensure that the USDA has the leadership necessary to support the millions of Americans who depend on its programs and policies," Duvall wrote.

The letter notes that a steady hand is needed at the helm of USDA at a time when farmers face many challenges and indicates Rollins is well-suited for the job, saying, "Her experience, leadership, and deep commitment to American agriculture make her an outstanding candidate to lead the department at this critical time."

The Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday also will hold a hearing on the state of the rural economy with leaders from various agricultural groups expected to testify.

Also see, "USDA Nominee Rollins Promises Ag Tariff Aid, but Says Labor Reforms Needed for Deportation Policies,"

https://www.dtnpf.com/…

KENNEDY NOMINATION

Separately, the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to vote today on President Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Health and Human Services secretary.

Members' statements and a live video of the executive session will be available on the committee website. https://www.finance.senate.gov/…

Also see, "Kennedy Warns About Ag Chemicals, Says Regenerative Practices Are Needed,"

https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Jerry Hagstrom can be reached at jhagstrom@nationaljournal.com

Follow him on social platform X @hagstromreport

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