Secretary of Agriculture nominee Brooke Rollins on Thursday promised to protect the nation's farmers, ranchers and rural communities if confirmed by the Senate during her confirmation hearing.

Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee held its hearing to consider the nomination of Brooke Rollins to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “The USDA plays a vital role in shaping agricultural policies that address the needs of both Americans and people around the world,

Brooke Rollins, the president’s nominee to lead the Agriculture Department, appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday.

Neither of Texas’ two senators serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee. But both Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz introduced Rollins at Thursday’s hearing, calling her a “no-brainer.” Both have known Rollins for decades going back to her time in the Texas governor’s office and leading the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

The confirmation hearing for President Trump’s nominee to lead the USDA is underway. During her opening comments before the U.S. Senate Ag Committee, Brooke Rollins of Texas outlined some of her priorities for the department if she is confirmed.

President Donald Trump's pick to run the Agriculture Department, Brooke Rollins, led an organization that opposed ethanol mandates and farm subsidies, major programs she could influence if confirmed,

President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of agriculture -- was asked about tariffs, bird flu, the effect of mass deportations on the ag workforce, and rural development efforts.

Lawmakers want to know if President Donald Trump's plans of mass deportation for illegal immigrants will impact American farmers and create a worker shortage.