The Latest: Democrat backs agriculture secretary nominee

If confirmed, Perdue would be the first agriculture secretary from the South in more than two decades, and farm politics in Congress often fall along regional lines.

While Midwestern lawmakers frequently back policies and government subsidies that are good for corn and soybean growers, Southerners champion those that pay farmers well for cotton and rice.

The Senate will be in session around the clock this week as Republicans aim to confirm more of President Donald Trump's Cabinet picks over Democratic opposition.