Glen Smith, the Trump administration’s nominee to lead the Agriculture Department’s rural development portfolio, advanced out of the Senate Agriculture Committee Monday in a party line 12-to-11 vote. The nomination advances to the full Senate.
Smith’s nomination for USDA undersecretary for rural development has been stalled after several previous votes to advance him were punted by the committee. He now awaits a full confirmation vote on the Senate floor.
He would be responsible for overseeing billions in annually distributed funds covering utilities, small businesses, broadband, and rural housing. Smith would replace Todd Lindsey, who’s served as acting undersecretary for rural ...