WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/23/21]— Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) voted to confirm Tom Vilsack as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture as the Senate gave final approval to his nomination.
Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said Vilsack, a former Iowa Governor who previously served eight years as Agriculture Secretary under President Obama, understands how important agriculture is to the economic well-being of farmers and communities in the upper Midwest and across the country.
“I supported Secretary Vilsack’s nomination because he understands the challenges farmers, ranchers and rural communities have faced in recent years with low farm prices, trade disruptions, and weather disasters,” said Sen. Smith. “He knows that when producers in Minnesota and across the country are given the tools they need to prosper, it not only jump starts the farm economy, but also is central to the nation’s economic well-being. At Secretary Vilsack’s confirmation hearing, I expressed concerns about USDA’s work – both internally and externally – with our nation’s farmers of color. I will push USDA to ensure farmers of color have equal and equitable access to the programs and benefits that are rightfully afforded to all producers and I’ll work with Secretary Vilsack as he carries out these promised changes.”