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WASHINGTON – In a bipartisan vote the U.S. Senate voted today to confirm Xochitl Torres Small to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. A former Member of Congress from the state of New Mexico, Torres Small currently serves as the Under Secretary for Rural Development at the Department of Agriculture.  

The following statement is from Melinda Cep, vice president for natural solution and working lands, ̽����ѡ: 

“We congratulate Xochitl Torres Small on her confirmation. Her knowledge and leadership will be invaluable to the Department of Agriculture. Our nation is facing unprecedented challenges like droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather all of which are exacerbated by climate change. In addition to the human impact of these challenges, they have been especially hard on our landscapes as well as the birds, wildlife, and producers who depend on them. Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and this year’s Farm Bill present critical opportunities to integrate lands into the reduction of carbon pollution and the increased resilience of our communities to climate change. 

“We have had the privilege of working closely with Deputy Secretary Torres-Small for many years in New Mexico and know first-hand how committed she is to science and conservation. We look forward to working with her on these new opportunities that will help foster healthy lands, waters, and birds.”  

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About ̽����ѡ  

The ̽����ѡ protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. ̽����ѡ works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give ̽����ѡ an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, ̽����ѡ believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at  and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @audubonsociety.  

Media Contact: Matt Smelser, matt.smelser@audubon.org