Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of AFPI, is seen during the America First Policy Institute's America First Agenda Summit at the Marriott Marquis on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Her nomination earned the backing of a coalition of more than 415 farmers, agricultural, and growers groups earlier this month. Signatories urged the Senate to swiftly confirm Rollins, praising what they described as her foundational knowledge of agriculture, as well as her policy and business bona fides that they said made her uniquely qualified for the role of U.S. agriculture secretary.
The committee vote comes at a crucial time for U.S. growers' groups and agribusinesses across the country. Lawmakers in Congress have stalled on a new farm bill and on other key priorities for farmers and industry groups.
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United States Department of Agriculture Jamie L. Whitten federal building entrance sign. (Getty Images)
If confirmed, Rollins said last week, she would "immediately begin to modernize, realign, rethink the United States Department of Agriculture."
"We understand that serving all American agriculture and all the American people means ensuring that our rural communities are equipped and supported to prosper, not just today, but tomorrow and the day after that in the many tomorrows to come," she told lawmakers.
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Those supporting Rollins' nomination have also praised her "close working relationship" with the president, which they said will "ensure that agriculture and rural America have a prominent and influential voice at the table when critical decisions are made in the White House."
Rollins was not expected to face staunch opposition to her nomination to head up the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and lawmakers who have spoken out have largely praised both her experience and strong knowledge of the agriculture sector.
Breanne Deppisch is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the 2024 election and other national news.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-agriculture-nominee-brooke-rollins-clears-key-senate-hurdle-ahead-confirmation-vote