Washington, D.C. - Today, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) announced two key promotions at the committee. Matt Schertz, who currently serves as Policy Director, will become the Staff Director following the departure of Scott Graves later this month. In addition, Bart Fischer will be appointed Deputy Staff Director while continuing to serve as Chief Economist. “For the... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway issued the following statement upon the announcement of President-Elect Donald Trump's selection of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be the nominee for Secretary of Agriculture. "Agriculture is the backbone of our nation. However, America's farmers and ranchers are facing difficult times under current farm condition... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service release of its new organic animal welfare standards. "I am disappointed to see yet another controversial rule pushed through during the final hours of the Obama administration. Not only do animal welfare... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) announced the members who will lead the committee’s subcommittees in the 115th Congress. “Our subcommittees will be instrumental in crafting the next farm bill. We have to get our work done right, and I am confident these chairmen will do just that. They have each shown excellent leadership skills in chairing subco... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, the House passed H.R. 238, the Commodity End-User Relief Act, by a vote of 239-182. H.R. 238 is a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), make important regulatory reforms, and most importantly to make important statutory changes to protect end-users and give them access to the tools they need to manage their risks. This bill largel... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement in response to the House Steering Committee’s recommendation of six new members to serve on the Agriculture Committee. “This is a great group of incoming and returning members, both for the Agriculture Committee and the Republican conference as a whole. Their diverse backgrounds will be... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway issued the following statement upon Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Timothy Massad’s announcement of resignation. “I want to thank Tim Massad for his work at the helm of the CFTC. During his confirmation process, he committed to listening to the needs of farmers and other traditional hedgers, and I am h... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) announced that Jennifer Tiller will join the committee as Professional Staff for nutrition and welfare issues. Tiller, a native of Syracuse, New York, has been working in Washington, D.C. since 2012 as the Director of America Works of Washington, D.C., where her attention was devoted to program operations, pub... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement in regard to an announcement today by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that the U.S. will request a Dispute Settlement Panel against China concerning that nation’s $100 billion in excess subsidies—in a single year—for corn, rice, and wheat. USTR also announced t... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the release of three controversial Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rules—one interim final rule and two proposed rules that will be open for a 60-day public comment period. The release follows a November 15th letter from Leader McCarthy and House Committee Chairmen cautioning the current A... Read more »
