National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Supporting the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.

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New Republican Agriculture Committee Members Named

On Thursday, December 16, Chairman-elect of the House Agriculture Committee Frank Lucas (R-OK) issued a press release welcoming the 16 new Republican members of the committee.

Lucas noted the varied geographic backgrounds of the incoming members, whose home states range from North Carolina to Colorado.  “They represent a broad slice of the country and will bring that perspective as we address the issues facing production agriculture and rural economies,” Lucas said.

Of the 16 new committee members, all but five are from districts that were not represented on the Committee in the current Congress.  This means the perspectives and priorities of the committee could shift based on the new geographic representation.  However, not surprisingly many of the new districts have been represented on the Committee in earlier Congresses.

The 16 new Republican members are:

Rick Crawford (AR)
Scott DesJarlais (TN)
Renee Ellmers (NC)
Stephen Fincher (TN)
Bob Gibbs (OH)
Chris Gibson (NY)
Vicky Hartzler (MO)
Tim Huelskamp (KS)
Randy Hultgren (IL)
Reid Ribble (WI)
Martha Roby (AL)
Bobby Schilling (IL)
Austin Scott (GA)
Steve Southerland (FL)
Marlin Stutzman (IN)
Scott Tipton (CO)

Of those 16, the 5 representing districts that are represented on the Committee currently, followed by the current member’s name, are:

  • Chris Gibson (NY-20) – Scott Murphy
  • Tim Huelskamp (KS-1) – Jerry Moran
  • Reid Ribble (WI-8) – Steve Kagen
  • Martha Robey (AL-2) – Bobby Bright
  • Austin Scott (GA-8) – Jim Marshall

Lucas, who has served on the committee since 1994 and has been its top Republican member since 2009, also used the press release to reiterate his priorities for the committee in the 112th Congress.  He stated, “We must work to ensure that there is proper oversight of the administration, that rural America has opportunities for job growth, and that our farmers and ranchers have the necessary tools and certainty they need to provide us with a safe, affordable, and abundant food, fiber, feed, and fuel supply.”

Lucas has also previously voiced plans to complete the next farm bill by 2012, despite likely having to spend months educating new members on the intricacies of U.S. agricultural policy.  To read further analysis of Lucas’ plans for the committee, read our blog post from last week on the topic.