WASHINGTON

The US Senate on Thursday confirmed Brooke Rollins for secretary of agriculture.

President Donald Trump's pick was confirmed in a 72-28 vote, becoming the 16th nominee greenlighted by the upper chamber.

During her confirmation hearing last month, Rollins pledged to protect farmers and ranchers who are the "cornerstone of our nation’s communities."

"Yet the demands of American agriculture and the stakes our farmers take have never been higher. When farmers prosper, rural America prospers, and I commit to you today, if confirmed, that I will do everything within my ability to make sure our farmers, ranchers and rural communities thrive," she said.