(NAFB) – The U.S. Senate confirmed Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small as the USDA’s Undersecretary for Rural Development.

“As Undersecretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small will build on her legacy as a champion for small towns and rural communities, much like the one she grew up in in New Mexico,” says Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow. “She will give voice to 60 million rural Americans at the highest levels of USDA, and I look forward to working with her to address critical rural needs including high-speed internet, infrastructure, and good-paying jobs.”

Ranking Senate Ag Committee Member John Boozman says that while the committee handles a wide range of issues, everything they do boils down to improving the livelihoods and future for those who call rural America home. “There are many pressing challenges facing our rural communities that we must work together to address,” he says. “I congratulate Undersecretary Torres Small and am ready to work with her to expand access to affordable high-speed broadband, ensure continued access to reliable energy production, improve water infrastructure, and create new economic opportunities in rural America.”