Heinrich, Luján Congratulate Xochitl Torres Small on Confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

“Xochitl Torres Small is a respected leader and dedicated public servant, and her confirmation marks a proud day for New Mexico. From the borderlands to Congress to a Senate-confirmed member of the President’s administration, Xochitl has spent her life serving her community and putting people first. That’s just who she is.

“Throughout her time as Under Secretary for Rural Development and in Congress, we have been proud to work with Xochitl to deliver for New Mexico farmers, agricultural producers, and rural communities. We look forward to continuing our work together as she begins in this new leadership role.” 

Background:

Xochitl Torres Small was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the Under Secretary for Rural Development on October 7, 2021. Prior to serving as Under Secretary, Torres Small was a United States Representative for New Mexico’s second congressional district, the fifth largest district in the country. As a United States Representative, Torres Small served as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and as Chairwoman of the Oversight, Management, and Accountability Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee. Torres Small was the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico’s second congressional district. The granddaughter of farmworkers, Torres Small grew up in the borderlands of New Mexico. She has worked as a Field Representative for U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), clerked for United States District Court Judge Robert C. Brack, and served as an attorney practicing water and natural resources law.

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