Last Four Leaders of House Ag Policy Reminisce

WASHINGTON, DC – While the focus is already turning to the next Congressional legislative session, the 117th Congress, three members of the House, and one from the Senate sat down Friday morning to reflect on the past 100 sessions. Originally created by a resolution sponsored by Rep. Lewis Williams of North Carolina on May 3, 1820, the House Ag Committee has created federal policy for the last 200 years and was celebrated by the only four members still serving in Congress to hold the title of Chairman. Current Chairman Collin Peterson (MN-D) welcomed the Ranking Member Mike Conaway (TX-R), Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-R), and Sen. Pat Roberts (KS-R) the current Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Reflecting on the past 40 years, Roberts who is the only member of Congress to serve as Chairman of both the House and Senate Ag Committees recounted his early days in Congress and why the “Freedom to Farm” Act (1996 Farm Bill) was written. Lucas, the only former Chairman to return to Congress next year, talked about how having to overcome Presidential vetoes to pass a Farm Bill. While Conaway spoke about the creation of a historical account of farm policy in the committee to help future members understand why previous legislation was written and to overcome the steep learning curve of farm policy in Congress.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)