Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. K. Michael Conaway (TX-11), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology issued statements after Dr. Bart Fischer was named co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center (AFPC) at Texas A&M University starting September 1, 2019.

Dr. Fischer currently serves as Rep. Conaway’s deputy staff director and chief economist at the House Committee on Agriculture. He joined the committee in 2011 as the chief economist under the leadership of then-Chairman, Rep. Lucas. He helped both chairmen craft the 2018 and 2014 Farm Bills.

"Behind every successful Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee is an extraordinary staff, and that certainly describes Bart. He was one of two key leaders on my committee staff who played an indispensable role in the development and passage of the 2018 farm bill.

"His efforts on behalf of U.S. agriculture go far beyond the farm bill, extending to every facet of federal policy that touches agriculture, from trade and taxes to regulations and labor. Bart has worked behind the scenes to ensure that the policies Washington pursues, inside and outside the committee, work for U.S. agriculture. I am grateful for his service to hardworking farm and ranch families and know he will continue to be a powerful friend and advocate for American agriculture in this new role,” said Rep. Conaway, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. 

"I will forever be grateful to Bart for agreeing to put his life on hold at Texas A&M University to join me at the House Agriculture Committee. Instrumental in helping craft the 2014 Farm Bill, Bart's upbringing in Tillman County, Oklahoma – from a long line of Oklahoma wheat and cotton farmers – ensured that the policies we were enacting would bring about a positive impact for our nation's producers.

"Things have come full circle as he now heads back to Texas A&M to be the co-director of the Agricultural & Food Policy Center. While he undoubtedly will be missed at the House Agriculture Committee, I look forward to continuing to work with Bart in his new role on all issues that are important to America's farmers and ranchers," said Rep. Lucas, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.