Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Agriculture Committee approved two measures—one designed to stimulate job creation in Maine and the other to honor the distinguished career of former Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer.

H.R. 1177, the Removing Outdated Restrictions to Allow for Job Growth Act, would remove the deed restriction on the parcel of land around the airport in Old Town, ME, allowing for business development. 

“H.R. 1177 is a smart and simple fix for the people of Old Town, ME. By removing the deed restriction, this legislation will help boost economic development and stimulate job creation in the area. I would like to thank Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) for bringing this issue to our attention and for providing a solution for the local community,” said Chairman K. Michael Conaway.

H.R. 2154, would rename the Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, North Dakota, as the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center. The research center is located in Secretary Schafer’s home state and at one of the nation’s premier land-grant universities.

“By renaming the agricultural research center in Fargo, North Dakota, in honor of Secretary Schafer, we recognize his distinguished career in public service and his dedication to agricultural research, including the vital work the center continues to do to improve and strengthen our food supply. Thank you to Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) for spearheading this initiative,” said Chairman Conaway.