Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway and Ranking Member Collin Peterson issued statements remembering the legacy of former Congressman Eligio "Kika" de la Garza, a long-time Texas representative who chaired the House Agriculture Committee from 1981-1994.

"Kika de la Garza was a true public servant in every sense of the word," Chairman Conaway said. "From serving his country in the military, to serving the great state of Texas, to advocating for farmers and ranchers across the country, he made a lasting impact. I have long admired his commitment to bringing together food producers and the average consumer—a worthy cause I aspire to continue at the Agriculture Committee. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."

“Kika was my first Chairman when I came to Congress in 1991,” Ranking Member Peterson said. “Kika was one of the original farm bill coalition leaders, bringing churches, nutrition groups and labor unions together with farm groups to support the four farm bills that were enacted during his time in Congress. I always admired his adherence to regular order, allowing the Subcommittees to do their work, and commitment to a bottom up rather than top down style of leadership. His commitment to doing what he thought was best for his constituents – the producers, consumers and farmworkers he considered part of U.S. agriculture – is part of his legacy. I extend my condolences to his family and all those who were lucky to know him.”