The Senate easily approved Sonny Perdue on Monday to lead the U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA).

Senators voted 87-11 on the former Georgia governor's nomination, readily hitting the simple majority needed to approve President Trump's pick.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell focuses on confirming judicial nominees with COVID-19 talks stalled McConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security Warren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt MORE (R-Ky.) praised Perdue from the Senate floor earlier Monday, saying they would work together to "continue developing smart agriculture policies that support both Kentucky and our country."

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Democratic senators also lined up ahead of the vote to voice support.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin Tammy Suzanne BaldwinKeep teachers in the classroom Cher raised million for Biden campaign at LGBTQ-themed fundraiser Democrats seek balance in backing protests, condemning violence MORE (D-Wis.), who is up for reelection in a state that picked Trump for president — backed Perdue's nomination.

“I’m pleased to vote for Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue today, and I look forward to working together to strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural economy and our rural communities," she said in a statement.

Sen. Chris Coons Christopher (Chris) Andrew CoonsBiden promises Democratic senators help in battleground states Shakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Pence lauds Harris as 'experienced debater'; Trump, Biden diverge over debate prep MORE (D-Del.), who is co-founder of the Senate Chicken Caucus, expressed support for Perdue but urged him to stand against Trump's proposed budget cuts.

"I will challenge Gov. Perdue to push back against some of the biggest proposed budget cuts to vital federal programs that support Delaware agriculture," he said.

Trump's budget proposal suggests slashing the Agriculture Department's funding by 21 percent — a cut of $4.7 billion to $17.9 billion — the third-largest proposed cut to any federal agency.

Perdue said during his committee hearing that he would push back against such budget cuts.

The former governor was expected to get bipartisan support after a smooth confirmation process, including clearing the Senate Agriculture Committee on a voice vote.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSuburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits The Hill's Campaign Report: 19 years since 9/11 | Dem rival to Marjorie Taylor Greene drops out | Collin Peterson faces fight of his career | Court delivers blow to ex-felon voting rights in Florida MORE (D-N.Y.) was the only committee member to oppose him.

Perdue pledged during his confirmation hearing to expand global trade for U.S. agriculture

“I plan to be onsite as USDA’s chief salesman around the world to sell these products, to negotiate these deals side by side with USTR [the U.S. trade representative], side by side with [Commerce] Secretary [Wilbur] Ross and our whole team there,” he told lawmakers at the time.

Trump announced his selection of Perdue in January. The former classroom teacher served on Trump’s agriculture advisory committee during the 2016 race and is also a cousin of Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.), who presided over Monday's vote.