The Senate overwhelming approved the nomination of Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary.
The Senate voted 92 to seven to approve the nomination via a roll call vote on Tuesday, sending Vilsack back to the Department of Agriculture’s top position.
Vilsack returns to the agency after serving as Agriculture Secretary during the Obama administration.
The Senate allowed for 20 minutes of debate, but opted for short statements from Senate Agriculture Committee leadership before calling for the vote.
Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, says, “After an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, Secretary Vilsack can now get to work.”
Noting Vilsack is “uniquely qualified” to head up the USDA, having served there previously, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandley Goule stated Vilsack “has an exceptional understanding of agricultural and rural issues.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “His strong track record of leadership and previous experience at USDA will serve rural America well.”
