Luján Votes to Confirm Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture

Statement

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting to confirm Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture:

"The Department of Agriculture plays an integral role in supporting New Mexico's farms -- from small family farms to large agricultural operations. Crucially, the next USDA Secretary must make sure that programs help local economies get back on their feet and practice greater consultation with New Mexicans, whose voices have too often gone unheard. I look forward to working with the next Secretary to address problems at New Mexico's Farm Service Agency office to ensure that farmers and ranchers are treated with dignity and respect and have access to critical programs during times of drought.

"When I met with Tom Vilsack, I shared with him my longstanding priorities to bridge the digital divide, tackle the climate crisis, address PFAS groundwater contamination, recognize traditional uses of our public lands, and maintain New Mexico's acequias. I appreciated his willingness to listen. Today, I voted to confirm Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture, and I will work with him wherever possible to best serve New Mexico farmers and ranchers."

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