Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to review the economic challenges facing rural America. Members heard from several witnesses who highlighted these factors, including low farm commodity prices, declining net farm income, tightening credit conditions, a strong dollar, and unfair trade practices by foreign competitors. “There is real potential for a crisis in ... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning. We ordinarily kick things off every year with the Secretary of Agriculture offering testimony as our one and only witness. However, our new Secretary has not yet been confirmed. I have visited with Governor Perdue a number of times now, I believe he is an excellent choice, and I hope that he can be confirmed in short order so that he may begin the im... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) announced subcommittee assignments for the 115th Congress. “From promoting a strong farm safety net to rolling back burdensome regulations on our producers, our subcommittees will play an integral role as this committee goes to work this Congress. The diverse background of my talented colleagues will be instrumenta... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Agriculture Committee met to formally organize and adopt the committee’s rules for the 115th Congress. “I am very excited to get to work crafting policies that will benefit America’s farmers and ranchers with the help of my esteemed colleagues this Congress. They each bring a different perspective to the table, which will be instrumental as we dive into writing ... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: I am thankful for the opportunity to serve another term as chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture during the 115th Congress. I, along with many of you on this Committee, represent rural America. We are their voice, and I consider that a privilege and great responsibility. Although we come from different areas of the country, we all understand the importanc... Read more »
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 »
