Press Releases

Rep. Bob Smith (R-OR), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, today announced that the Forage Improvement Act of 1997 (H.R. 2493), his legislation to improve the management of federal lands and provide greater stability and certainty for western family ranchers, could be considered by the full House of Representatives as early as Wednesday, October 29.

The House Rules Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 28, at 5:30 p.m., in Room H312 of the Capitol to consider a rule for House floor consideration of Chairman Smith's grazing bill, possibly clearing the measure for consideration by the full House of Representatives as early as Wednesday, October 29.

"This bill is critical to the livestock industry's existence. It would be a substantial benefit for family ranchers and for public lands management, and it has sailed through the relevant House committees. I'm delighted that the leadership of the House has recognized the wisdom of this moderate approach and is taking the steps to prepare it for a possible vote on the House floor," said Smith.

The Forage Improvement Act is the product of several months of consultation with state and national livestock associations, individual livestock producers, interested Members of Congress, and environmental groups, and enjoys overwhelming support in the western livestock community. On September 24th, the bill cleared the Committee on Agriculture by an unanimous voice vote. The measure cleared the Committee on Resources on October 22nd by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 22-7.

Smith represents Oregon's Second Congressional District, which includes most of eastern, central, and southern Oregon, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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