Political Quotes

“I have to first note--and I appreciate so much Senator Carper's comments--but from the smallest State that claims agriculture to our distinguished Presiding Officer from the largest State that has agriculture, to my State of Michigan, which is second only to California in the diversity of crops that we grow, I think we all stand here committed to the importance of growing things in America, this economic engine, supporting small towns, supporting rural development and quality of life. So I am really pleased, as chair of the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, today, to know that we will be confirming Xochitl Torres Small as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Ms. Torres Small's impressive and wide-ranging resume makes her an ideal appointee to help lead the more than 100,000 public servants at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and they are stationed in over 4,500 locations all across the country and all across the world. Her predecessor in this role, Jewel Bronaugh, was instrumental in helping to restore one of the Department's key functions: serving our constituents on the ground in the communities in which they work, live, and farm. A trailblazer like Ms. Torres Small, Ms. Bronaugh was the first woman of color to hold the Deputy position at the USDA, and we very much appreciated her leadership. I have every confidence that Ms. Torres Small is up to the important task and will lead with great skill and competence.…”