Opening Statements

Today, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) delivered the following opening statement at today's organization meeting for the 119th Congress:

As prepared for delivery:

Good morning, and welcome to the organizing meeting of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress.  

America’s agriculture industry is the lifeblood of our nation—providing the food, fuel, and clothing we depend on. While this may be our first meeting of the 119th, I expect to spend a lot of time together in this hearing room as we work to deliver real solutions for our farm families and rural communities. 

Today, we meet during a time of significant challenge for our farmers and ranchers. The farm economy is struggling under the weight of skyrocketing input costs, persistent inflation, and regulatory burdens that stifle innovation and growth. 

Family farms—the backbone of our agricultural system—are bearing the brunt of these pressures, and it is our duty to act swiftly to provide relief. 

This Committee’s number one priority for this Congress will be the passage of a bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill. One that restores the farm safety net, prioritizes voluntary, locally led, and incentive-based conservation programs, advances our competitiveness through robust market access and trade promotion opportunities, strengthens programs, including those in the nutrition title, to demand transparency and accountability to the taxpayer, and revitalize rural communities and restore their prosperity.  

Second, the Committee will work with USDA to prioritize the quick and efficient disbursement of American Relief Act economic aid. Our farmers cannot afford any delay.  

There is so much more under the purview of this Committee that will require our attention and action. Whether it be digital assets or legislation to reduce government bureaucracy and spending, I am committed to ensuring the voices of our farmers, ranchers, foresters, rural communities, and consumers guide our efforts. Before I close, I am thrilled to welcome a talented group of agriculture advocates to the dais. 

 First, Dan Newhouse of Washington’s Fourth District. Mr. Newhouse is a third-generation Yakima-Valley farmer who previously sat on this Committee and recently chaired the Congressional Western Caucus. Welcome back, Dan.  

Next, welcome Tony Wied from Wisconsin’s Eighth District. With deep roots in Northeast Wisconsin, entrepreneurial spirit, and a constituency of dairy cows, Tony, I am excited to see what you bring to this committee. 

Welcome to my fellow Pennsylvanian Rob Bresnahan of the Eighth District. Much like my own district, Rob’s is filled with a variety of agricultural goods from potatoes to poultry and everything in between. Northeast Pennsylvania will have a fighter on their side here. Welcome, Rob. 

I’m pleased to have Mark Harris from North Carolina’s Eighth District. Mark’s a family man, which bodes well for his district, did you know, nearly 95% of the farms in Mark’s district are family farms?  Those farms produce a wide range of goods, from tobacco to eggs and everything in between. Mark, I’m excited to have you on this Committee. 

Next, welcome Dave Taylor from Ohio’s Second District. Before his election to Congress, Dave was the President of Sardinia Ready Mix Incorporated. Now, don’t let the name fool you - he wasn’t a sardine farmer! But he did lead two dozen hardworking Americans and understands firsthand the challenges small businesses face. Dave, I’m looking forward to seeing how your experience will help us support farms across our nation. 

Last but certainly not least, Mark Messmer of Indiana’s Eighth District. While in the Indiana Senate, Mark sponsored a bill to ban the foreign ownership of agricultural land, helping to protect farms across Indiana and preserve our national security. Mark, I’m excited to have your leadership and experience in this Committee as we work together to support American agriculture.  

I’d finally like to recognize a few historic firsts for our Committee: 

In the 117th Congress, David Scott of Georgia made history by becoming the first African American to ever Chair the House Agriculture Committee. He has served this Committee with distinction as both a Chairman and Ranking Member. Over the years we have agreed on some things, disagreed on other things, but we have always come together to serve America’s agriculture community. He is my brother in Christ and a friend, and I speak for all of us when I say, thank you for your service. 

Congresswoman Angie Craig of Minnesota was selected by her caucus as Ranking Member, becoming the first woman to serve as such for the Committee. She has served in Congress since 2019 and spent that tenure with us on the Agriculture Committee. I look forward to partnering on issues important to all of us throughout the 119th.  

The House Committee on Agriculture reflects the men and women who are the backbone of our great nation. It is an honor to serve them and it will be an honor to serve with you all.