Lucas names new GOP members to serve on the House Ag Committee

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), elected to a second term as chair of the House Ag Committee, identified seven new Republican members expected to serve on the committee in the 113th Congress. The list has been recommended by the Republican Steering Committee and is expected to be officially adopted in January by the Republican Conference and the House.

New Republican members joining the House Ag Committee include: Reps. Dan Benishek (Mich.); Chris Collins (N.Y.); Rodney Davis (Ill.); Jeff Denham (Calf.); Richard Hudson (N.C.); Doug LaMalfa (Calif.); and Ted Yoho (Fla.). One Republican vacancy remains. 

Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, representing one of the largest agricultural districts in Kansas, said he had been booted off the House Ag Committee. Huelskamp voted against the House Ag Committee 2012 Farm Bill proposal, opposes extension of the nation’s debt ceiling, and voted against a budget proposal from U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), saying it did not cut spending enough.

Huelskamp, a farmer, said he is working with Sen. Pat Roberts, a Kansas Republican and former House Ag committee chair, to see if House leadership can be persuaded to change its mind.