©2025 League of Conservation Voters
The Senate considered President Joe Biden’s nomination of Xochitl Torres Small to serve as deputy secretary of agriculture. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees our national forests and the farming, ranching, and forestry industries, which are all critical elements in creating climate solutions. Torres Small, a former member of Congress from New Mexico, is the first Latinx person and second woman of color to serve in this role at USDA. She has experience working in rural development, overseeing infrastructure, utilities, and healthcare in rural communities. As the granddaughter of farmworkers, Torres Small will prioritize ensuring that farmers are a critical part of the solution to climate change. On July 11, the Senate confirmed Torres Small to be the deputy secretary of agriculture by a vote of 84-8. Senate Roll Call Vote 174.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters