"Organizational matters of the Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress and the Oversight Plan for the Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress."
2025-01-23
Loading video...
Source: Congress.gov
Summary
The House Committee on Agriculture convened its organizing meeting for the 119th Congress to establish priorities and build unity around key issues. Chair Craig A. Goldman emphasized the need for a bipartisan five-year farm bill to restore the farm safety net, support family farms, and strengthen rural communities. Key participants included returning members such as Dan Newhouse, Tony Weave, Rob Bresnahan, and Mark Harris, who represent diverse agricultural regions. The committee also welcomed new Democratic members, including Adam Gray, Kristen McDonald Rivett, and April McLean Delaney, who bring firsthand experience from farm families and rural communities. The meeting affirmed a commitment to bipartisanship, with a focus on policy areas like farm safety net expansion, supply chain resilience, and trade promotion. Additionally, the committee adopted its rules for the 119th Congress and approved an Authorization and Oversight Plan to ensure effective oversight and accountability in its work.
Participants
Transcript
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the 119th Congress for the House Committee on Agriculture, as I like to say, the original A Committee. This meeting will come to order. I note that a quorum is present and each member has before them the material on our agenda today at their place on the rostrum. So good morning and welcome to the organizing meeting of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress. America's agriculture industry is the livelihood is the lifeblood of our nation, providing the food, the fuel, and the clothing that we depend on. And while this may be our first meeting of the 119th, I expect to spend a lot of time together in this hearing room as we work to deliver real solutions for our farm families, our rural communities, and ultimately every American family. Today we meet during a time of significant challenge for our farmers and ranchers. The farm economy is struggling under the weight of skyrocketing input costs. persistent inflation, just a tremendous agriculture trade deficit, and regulatory burdens that stifle innovation and growth. Family farms, which are the backbone of our agricultural system, are bearing the brunt of these pressures, and it's our duty to act swiftly to provide relief. This committee's number one priority for this Congress will be the passage of a bipartisan five-year farm bill, one that restores the farm safety net, prioritizes voluntarily locally led and incentive-based conservation programs, advances our competitiveness through robust market access and trade promotion opportunities, strengthens programs, including those in the nutrition title, to demand transparency and accountability to the taxpayer, and revitalize rural communities and restore their prosperity.
Second, the committee will work with USDA to prioritize the quick and efficient disbursement of the American Relief Act economic aid. Our farmers cannot afford any delay. There is so much more under the purview of this committee that will require our attention and action, whether it be digital assets or legislation to reduce government bureaucracy and spending. And I'm committed to ensuring the voices of our farmers or ranchers foresters, rural communities, and consumers guide our efforts. And before I close, I'm thrilled to welcome a talented group of agriculture advocates to the dais. First, Dan Newhouse of Washington's 4th District. Mr. Newhouse is a third-generation Yakima Valley farmer who previously sat on this committee and recently chaired the Congressional Western Caucus, did so with distinction. And so welcome back, Dan. Next, we welcome Tony Weave from Wisconsin's 8th District with deep roots in the Northeast Wisconsin entrepreneurial spirit and a constituency of dairy cows. Tony, I'm excited to see what you bring to this committee. Welcome to my fellow Keystone State, Pennsylvanian Rob Bresnahan of the 8th District, much like my own district, Rob, Rob's district is filled with a variety of agriculture goods, from potatoes to poultry and everything in between. Northeastern Pennsylvania will have a fighter on their side here, and welcome Rob. And I'm always pleased to have Mark Harris from North Carolina's 8th District. Mark's a family man, which bodes well for his district. Did you know that 95% of the farms in Mark's district are family farms? Those farms produce a wide range of goods, from tobacco to eggs, and everything in between. Mark, I'm excited to have you on this committee. Next, welcome Dave Taylor from Ohio's 2nd District. Before his election to Congress, Dave was the president of Sardinia Ready Mix Incorporated. Now, don't let that name fool you.
He was not a sardine farmer. But he did lead two dozen hardworking Americans and understands firsthand the challenges small businesses face. Dave, I'm looking forward to seeing how your experience will help us support farms across our nation. And lastly, but certainly not least, Mark Mesmer of Indiana's 8th District. While in the Indiana Senate, Mark sponsored a bill to ban foreign ownership of agricultural land helping to protect farms across Indiana and preserve our national security. Mark, I'm excited to have your leadership and experience in this committee as we work together to support American agriculture. And I'd finally like to recognize a few historic firsts for our committee. In the 117th Congress, David Scott of Georgia made history by becoming the first African American to ever chair the House Agriculture Committee. He has served this committee with distinction as both a chairman and ranking member, and over the years we have agreed on some things, disagreed on other things, but we've always come together to serve America's agriculture community. He's my brother in Christ and a friend, and I speak for all of us when I say thank you for your service.
Sign up for free to see the full transcript
Accounts help us prevent bots from abusing our site. Accounts are free and will allow you to access the full transcript.