When Congress returns in December, the House of Representatives Democratic caucus will select the House Agriculture Committee chairman.
Vying for the position are Reps. David Scott (D-GA-13) and Jim Costa (D-CA-16) after Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11) indicated she would instead seek the cabinet position of secretary of Agriculture. Both Scott and Costa have collected endorsements from colleagues and organizations to cement their bids.
Rep. Scott
Scott, whose district includes portions of the Atlanta metro area in Georgia, was first elected to Congress in 2002. He currently serves as chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management and serves on the Subcommittee of Livestock, Dairy and Poultry.
“I was born on a farm in rural South Carolina during segregation. After my parents moved north to find work, I spent my childhood years living and working on my grandparents’ farm,” Scott said in a statement seeking the nomination. “The core lessons I brought from these experiences still resonate throughout farming communities today, and I have drawn upon them as I have fought to support the needs of rural and urban America.
“Since my election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, I have served continuously as an active member of the Agriculture Committee, representing a state whose leading industry is agriculture. I have fought hard to elevate the needs of our vulnerable communities, ensure a stable and skilled farm workforce, and invest in programs that will serve to strengthen our agriculture industry for future generations.”
As chairman, Scott said in his statement, he would “ensure food security for future generations,” transition away from fossil fuels towards biofuel and ethanol, “open new markets and provide fresh produce at fair prices,” and provide “financing and opportunities for young and beginning farmers, as well as farmers of color.”
Scott has received the endorsements of fellow congresspeople, including 12 members of the agriculture committee. In a letter, the 12 members, including Vice Chairwoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Subcommittee Chairman Filemon Vela (D-TX-34), and Fudge, cite Scott’s work on three farm bills, saying he has the “experience, dedication and the ability to serve as chairman and address the heightened challenges of our time.”
More significantly, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN-7) has come out in support of Scott’s bid for the position. Peterson, who lost his bid for re-election in Minnesota’s 7th District, served as the chairman since 2019 and previously held the position from 2007 to 2011. In his letter, Peterson cited Scott’s work on food programs for the poor, and financial safety nets for livestock producers, specialty and commodity crop farmers. Peterson also stated he backs Scott’s candidacy because he has the committee seniority to claim the post. Scott is second in seniority and Peterson said it “would be a milestone to have the first African-American chair of the committee.” Scott would also be the first chairman from Georgia.
Rep. Costa
Costa, a third-generation family farmer, was elected to Congress in 2004 and represents parts of Merced, Madera and Fresno counties in California’s Central Valley. He is the chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture and is third in seniority on the agriculture committee.
“My top priority on the Agriculture Committee is to ensure that no American goes hungry. We must preserve and expand nutrition programs for the most vulnerable members of our communities, work to solve the real struggles in rural America, confront the challenges farmers face from climate change and maintain and expand foreign markets for American crops. If elected chairman, I will push for policies that better position our food systems for the future,” Costa said in a statement.
A coalition of more than 70 organizations within the agriculture community sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsing Costa’s bid to lead the committee. The letter cites Costa as “uniquely qualified” for the position and that the organizations have “seen firsthand” his work and impact on California agriculture and rural communities, and are confident that his leadership will “further develop agriculture policy throughout the nation.”
“It is important to emphasize Congressman Costa’s deep understanding of agriculture’s relationship with our nation’s natural resources. He understands what science and logic tell us: Our working lands—primarily farms, ranches and forests—are the main weapons in our arsenal against the externalities brought about by a changing climate. Congressman Costa’s strong advocacy of increased funding for on-farm conservation programs, like the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, is the perfect example of how we can leverage public and private dollars to achieve agreeable solutions,” the letter reads.
Some of the groups among signers of the letter include the California Cattlemen’s Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Women for Agriculture, and groups representing poultry, produce, trucking and warehouse associations.
In Costa’s statement, some priorities as chairman would include addressing rural issues; increasing funding for wildfire mitigation; supporting small farmers; and building on conservation efforts.
Costa would become the first chairman from California since Republican John Bidwell served from 1865 to 1867.
Western caucus
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4), a third-generation Yakima Valley farmer, has been named chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress.
The caucus works on issues affecting Western states including rural development, resource development and energy independence, wildfire resilience and water rights.
Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, congratulated Newhouse on his election stating, “Congressman Newhouse is a strong advocate for cattle producers and has been instrumental in getting critical legislation across the finish line—while at the same time educating others on the issues that producers face on a daily basis.”
In an op-ed piece for the Sunnyside Sun, Newhouse wrote, “As chairman, I will continue to advocate for the priorities of Central Washington and rural communities across our great country, and I look forward to serving as a Voice for the West.” — Charles Wallace, WLJ editor
