Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-TX), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, announced the promotion of Mary Nowak to Professional Staff for nutrition and welfare issues. She will oversee the committee’s continued top-to-bottom review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Last year, the committee held a total of 10 hearings dedicated to SNAP to hear from a range of perspectives and find ways the program can better serve the more than 45 million recipients and better utilize taxpayer dollars.

“Tackling issues like poverty, welfare, and the role SNAP plays in the lives of more than 45 million Americans is a tough job. Mary has a thorough knowledge of the program and valuable experience in dealing with these issues. I am confident she will continue to thrive in this new role as the Agriculture Committee continues its review,” said Chairman Conaway.

“Over the past year, Mary has demonstrated outstanding leadership and knowledge in the area of nutrition. As the Nutrition Subcommittee Chairwoman, it has been a pleasure to work with her on such a close level during her time as a legislative assistant, and I am excited for that to continue as she heads up the nutrition portfolio in her new role," said Nutrition Subcommittee Chairwoman Walorski.

Nowak has worked for the House Agriculture Committee for nearly seven years serving most recently as a Senior Legislative Assistant. During her time at the committee, she has served under both Chairman Conaway (R-TX) and Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) working on issues related to environmental regulations, biotechnology, pesticide policy, horticulture, agricultural research, as well as nutrition policy. During the 2014 Farm Bill, she played an integral role in developing the nutrition title. She is a native of Caldwell, Texas, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University. Her interest for nutrition policy stems from her grandmother’s long-lasting career as a dietician, during which she educated mothers on proper nutrition for their children.