On May 10, Jewel Bronaugh was cleared on a voice vote with no objections by the Senate Agriculture Committee to become USDA deputy secretary. Her confirmation, which is expected, would make her the first Black individual to preside over the role.
The deputy secretary is in charge of day-to-day operations at USDA, and includes managing a budget of $150 billion a year.
(Editor’s Note: Bronaugh was confirmed by the Senate May 14.
In response to her confirmation, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall said, “AFBF congratulates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her confirmation as USDA Deputy Secretary. Not only is the confirmation historic, the bipartisan vote is an acknowledgement from both parties that she is focused on the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.
Dr. Bronaugh’s wide range of experience as Virginia’s Agriculture Commissioner, as state director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency and her work addressing mental health issues in rural communities will make her a valuable addition to Secretary Tom Vilsack’s team as they tackle the challenges facing rural America. We look forward to working with USDA leadership to create new opportunities for farmers and ranchers as they feed the nation and the world.”)
