MONTGOMERY, Ala. — 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, ensuring these policies are implemented in a fair and equitable manner,” said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of Southern Poverty Law Center. “From supporting farmers and ranchers who nourish our nation to administering SNAP benefits to millions of families to avoid hunger and food insecurity, the work of USDA is more critical than ever – especially in the face of rising food costs.
“Rollins’ inexperience in agricultural policy and her concerning stances on issues of racial equity call into question her ability to ensure the Inflation Reduction Act funding is distributed fairly and equitably and that the work of the USDA’s Equity Commission is protected and expanded.
According to SPLC’s Intelligence Project, she is a founding member of the elitist America First Policy Institute (AFPI). AFPI has partnered with the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a designated SPLC hate group, and other anti-immigrant organizations. In addition, Rollins’ previous service on the 1776 Commission included efforts to promote education that glossed over true hard history – such as downplaying the realities of slavery and promoted conspiracy theories. Her associations with groups like Turning Point USA and her 15 years at the Texas Public Policy Foundation – where she advised Project 2025 – are incredibly concerning, especially regarding their views on climate change and election-denialism.
“Federal agency leaders must uphold the rule of law and ensure their personal beliefs don’t influence the way they manage their agencies. The Senate needs to thoroughly vet Rollins’ record to determine whether she is truly qualified to serve in a way that benefits all Americans,” Huang concluded.