The Senate voted 72-28 to confirm Brooke Rollins as the new agriculture secretary. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman praised the decision, saying “America’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters need a leader at USDA who will be an advocate for their livelihoods in rural America and be a strong voice to address the pressing needs of our agriculture community; Brooke Rollins is that person.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune outlined her priorities. “First, getting disaster and economic aid out the door and into the hands of farmers; second, getting the bird flu and other animal disease outbreaks under control,” said Thune. “Third, getting the farm bill done and finally, revitalizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to focus on its core mission and put America and American agriculture first.”
