Hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry - Luján Introduces Former Rep. Xochitl Torres Small for Consideration to Serve as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development

Hearing

Washington, D.C. -- Today, before the full Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced former Representative Xochitl Torres Small for consideration to serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Following President Biden's nomination of Representative Torres Small, Luján applauded her nomination, noting that America's rural communities are gaining a champion who has a deep understanding of the issues facing rural residents and businesses.

VIDEO: Luján Introduces Representative Xochitl Torres Small For Consideration To Be USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development

"As a native New Mexican from the southwest region of the state, Representative Torres Small is the proud granddaughter of migrant farm workers and a former attorney specializing in water and natural resources," Luján said. "In 2019, she came to Congress, representing New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, where she strived to bring home opportunities for New Mexicans and protect our rural way of life."

"Representative Torres Small has a proven track record of fighting for rural America and the president's nomination will allow the entire country to benefit from her leadership and expertise," Luján continued. "I enthusiastically support her nomination for Under Secretary for Rural Development and I hope all members of this committee join me in supporting this highly qualified nominee.

An excerpt of Senator Luján's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available below:

Madam Chair,

It's an honor to be here on behalf of Senator Martin Heinrich, fellow New Mexicans, and myself it is an honor to introduce my friend and former House colleague, Xochitl Torres Small, the president's nominee to be Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA.

As a native New Mexican from the southwest region of the state, Representative Torres Small is the proud granddaughter of migrant farm workers and a former attorney specializing in water and natural resources. In 2019, she came to Congress, representing New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, where she arrived to bring home opportunities for New Mexicans and protect our rural way of life.

Her passion and determination were an inspiration and she quickly earned the respect of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle due to her drive to make real progress on issues facing rural America and willingness to work with anyone.

While in Congress, Representative Torres Small kept a rural hospital from closing its doors, strengthened constituent access to healthcare, and raised the alarm on broadband disparities, serving on Majority Whip James Clyburn's Rural Broadband Taskforce and always an advocate for accessible, affordable internet. She also helped secure tens of millions of dollars for broadband in New Mexico through USDA's ReConnect Program, which she will be proud to implemented and strengthen, if confirmed.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Xochitl had the privilege to highlight New Mexico's thriving agricultural industry--including our world famous New Mexico chile. And for those not familiar, I look forward to sharing it with all of you. Once you try it once, it will be on every dish you prepare.

She fought for fairer trade for farmers and ranchers and in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, drafted legislation to address the urgent issues facing America's agriculture economy and food supply.

None of us would be where we are without the support of our families so I want to take a quick moment to recognize Representative Torres Small's family who I know is such a big part of her life that helped shape her, and teach her, and she still lifts them up to talk about them every chance she gets.

Representative Torres Small has a proven track record of fighting for rural America and the president's nomination will allow the entire country to benefit from her leadership and expertise.

I enthusiastically support her nomination for Under Secretary for Rural Development and I hope all members of this committee join me in supporting this highly qualified nominee.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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