WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – Jewel Bronaugh’s nomination to be the next Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary and first black woman who would hold that post moved to the full Senate late Monday.

Bronaugh, who won high marks at her Senate Ag confirmation hearing last month, scored an easy vote of support in committee.

The Virginia state agriculture chief and former state Farm Service Agency director and agriculture college dean at Virginia State University, Bronaugh has strong bipartisan backing for the number two spot at USDA.

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow…

Top Ag Republican John Boozman on the importance of Bronaugh’s background in handling USDA’s day-to-day operations and becoming Acting Secretary if needed.

Bronaugh committed in her April confirmation hearing to work on ending a history of discrimination across USDA, and on boosting rural economies with clean energy jobs, renewable fuels, biobased products and broadband.

She’s expected to win easy Senate confirmation.