USDA officially has a second-in-command.
Xochitl Torres Small took her oath as USDA Deputy Secretary, and it comes after the Senate confirmed her late last week after months of consideration. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack nominated her for the role back in February.
She says she is excited to take on the challenges ahead, and says her mission will be supporting the people USDA serves.
“Because here at USDA we know the importance of our many missions. And we touch people’s lives every single day and by touching people’s lives every day, we get to be part of their story. That’s why my mission is to serve the people of USDA every single day, because our missions are critical. The work we do on operations now will have an impact on the people we serve and their stories for generations to come. So thank you again. I’m thrilled to work on behalf of the people for the people’s department.”
More than 50 ag groups had written members of the Senate encouraging her confirmation. Secretary Vilsack said Torres Small has dedicated her career to serving the agriculture industry and the American people.
