Committee Statement

 

The Honorable Frank D. Lucas

Ranking Member, House Committee on Agriculture

 

RE: Agriculture Committee Business Meeting

 

January 28, 2009

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I am honored to serve as the new Ranking Republican of the Agriculture Committee. I have been a part of this committee since I was first elected to congress in 1994, and I am proud to represent my home state of Oklahoma in this leadership role today.

Agriculture is the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy, and my purpose in congress remains to make certain that our farmers and ranchers have a strong voice in Washington; that those who provide us with a safe and abundant food supply have the necessary resources to thrive. I look forward to using my experience and perspective as an Oklahoma producer to help shape our nation’s agriculture policy.

The agriculture committee has enjoyed strong bipartisanship throughout its long history, and is likely one of the only committees in congress that operates this way today. I am ready to work with you, Chairman Peterson, to continue the legislative successes this committee has had in promoting the livelihood of rural America.

I would like to thank my colleague from Virginia, Bob Goodlatte, who has served as the Republican leader of this committee for six years, both as Chairman and Ranking Member. His leadership helped guide us through the long and exhausting task of passing the 2008 farm bill. And, we will all benefit from his experience as we work toward promptly and properly implementing that important legislation.

At this time, I would like to welcome back our veteran members and introduce four new members. Right now, we still have one vacancy, which will be filled in the coming weeks.

We welcome Phil Roe from the 1st district of Tennessee. Phil is the former Mayor of Johnson City. He is also a medical doctor who ran a practice for 31 years. The farmers in his district are producers of livestock, tobacco, and fruits and vegetables.

We will have another strong voice for production agriculture in Blaine Luetkemeyer who is a rancher from the 9th congressional district in Missouri. He represents a very rural district, which has more than 20,000 farms. Corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs are the top commodities.

Glenn “GT” Thompson hails from the 5th district in Pennsylvania, which is the largest and most rural in the state. His district is also home to the first commercially producing oil well in the world. Timber is the number one crop, followed by dairy and beef production. Prior to being elected, “GT” worked as a healthcare executive for 26 years.

Finally, Bill Cassidy joins us from the 6th congressional district in Louisiana. Bill is a medical doctor from Baton Rouge. He also served a stint as senator in the Louisiana state legislature. Rice is the leading crop in his district.

We welcome all of you to the agriculture committee. I look forward to working with all of you in promoting a strong and vibrant rural America.

 

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