Nominee Promises Fair Wildfire Help, Acknowledges Political Challenges

Brooke Rollins, nominated to lead the U. S. Department of Agriculture, assured senators that politics won't sway how wildfires are fought in California. At her confirmation hearing, she also admitted that President Trump's plans could cause trouble for farmers. Rollins, a lawyer from Texas, backed Trump's immigration and trade policies but promised to ease the impact on agriculture. She vowed to defend farmers and ranchers by making their case to the president. Rollins, 52, has a background in agriculture and law. She served in Trump's first administration and now runs a policy institute. Senators grilled her about Trump's threats to withhold federal aid and the potential labor shortage from mass deportations. Rollins supported Trump's agenda but acknowledged the difficulties ahead. She promised to advocate for effective temporary worker programs. Republicans and Democrats also worried about higher tariffs hurting exports. Rollins assured them she'd represent agriculture's interests.