WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today met with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small, who has been nominated to serve as USDA Deputy Secretary.  During their meeting, Durbin spoke with Torres Small about Illinois agricultural priorities and the upcoming Farm Bill.

“I appreciate having the opportunity to discuss Illinois agriculture, conservation, nutrition, and rural development priorities with the Under Secretary, who has been nominated by President Biden to serve as the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” Durbin said. “I look forward to her upcoming confirmation hearing, and to our mutual goals of ensuring that the Illinois farm and food sectors continue to receive priority attention from USDA.”