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.

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.

During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.

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.

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

President Donald Trump’s nominee to oversee American farming was once head of a group that was among the loudest opponents of a favorite US agriculture product: biofuels.