Brooke Rollins answers questions regarding California wildfires and firefighter compensation

All morning, Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins has been in the hot seat before the Senate Ag Committee.

California Senator Adam Schiff had the chance to ask Rollins some questions, one including whether firefighters will receive necessary compensation for their work on the raging wildfires in the West if confirmed.

“100% yes. To watch the devastation in your beautiful state has been heartbreaking for all of us...I think that hopefully, if there’s any good that comes from this, if I’m confirmed, we can figure out how to be an even better, more impactful resource the next time this happens, and hopefully be able to work more closely, more quickly, with those on the ground across red states and blue states.”

As of last week, the Palisades Fire has scorched more than 23,000 acres.

Related Stories
Through “One Farmer, One File,” USDA’s mission is to create a single, streamlined record that follows the farmer — no matter where they go in the USDA system.
USDA headquarters downsizing reflects cost pressures and may reshape agency operations.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided insight on updated PLC rate estimates, the role of base acres, and the upcoming enrollment window for ARC and PLC programs.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.