AFBF Congratulates New House Agriculture Committee Chair and Ranking Member

The House Democratic Caucus approved Representative David Scott (D-Ga.) to serve as the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) will serve as the ranking member of the Agriculture Committee after being selected by the Republican Steering Committee.

The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:

“We at the American Farm Bureau Federation congratulate Representative Scott on his selection to be the next chair of the House Agriculture Committee. For almost two decades Congressman Scott has worked on behalf of farmers and ranchers. His legislative experience, a childhood working on his grandparents’ farm, and being the first African American chosen to lead the committee all give him a unique perspective needed to tackle the challenges facing rural America.

“We congratulate Representative Thompson on his selection as the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. Congressman Thompson’s rural American roots and his bipartisan spirit have been a driving force in addressing the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.

“We have the opportunity to work together to address the pressing needs of rural America during the 117^th Congress. We must strengthen the farm bill and find a fair solution to the farm labor shortage. We look forward to creating partnerships that build on the strides we’ve made in climate-smart practices. And, it’s essential we finally bridge the digital divide that has kept rural America from accessing the full potential of the nation’s broadband.

“All this can be done when we focus on a common goal. Farm Bureau stands ready to work with Agriculture Committee leadership in addressing the important issues facing America’s farmers and ranchers.”