"If confirmed, he will reprise the role he held for eight years during the Obama administration, this time focusing on supporting and incentivizing farmers, ranchers and foresters to adopt climate-friendly practices"

"In a unanimous vote, the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday afternoon advanced Tom Vilsack’s nomination as agriculture secretary, setting him up for a swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

“We are one step closer to confirming Secretary Vilsack so he can get to work at USDA,” said senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), incoming Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “Secretary Vilsack has the experience and vision that our farmers, families, and rural communities need now more than ever. I look forward to his quick confirmation.”

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced Vilsack with high praise, an indication of broad bipartisan support for the former Iowa governor."

Laura Reiley reports for the Washington Post February 2, 2021. [2]