House Committee on Agriculture

House Committee on Agriculture
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Committee	House Committee on Agriculture
Chamber	U.S. House of Representatives
Formed	1820
Chair	Glenn Thompson
Ranking member	David Scott

House Committee on Agriculture is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives that oversees the nation's agricultural policy, including issues related to USDA, FDA, and CFTC. The committee has played a crucial role in shaping the country's agricultural landscape, with notable members including Kika de la Garza, Larry Combest, and Collin Peterson. The committee's work has significant implications for various stakeholders, including National Farmers Union, American Farm Bureau Federation, and Environmental Defense Fund.

● History

The committee was established in 1820, with Henry Wharton Conway as its first chair, and has since undergone several transformations, including the addition of new subcommittees and changes in its jurisdiction. Throughout its history, the committee has been led by influential chairs, such as Poindexter Dunn, Asa Hodges, and W. R. Poage. The committee's work has been shaped by significant events, including the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and World War II, which led to the passage of landmark legislation, including the AAA and the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. The committee has also worked closely with other congressional committees, including the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and the House Committee on Appropriations, to address issues related to USDA and FDA.

● Jurisdiction

The committee has jurisdiction over issues related to agriculture, forestry, nutrition, and hunger, including programs administered by USDA, such as the SNAP and the National School Lunch Act. The committee also oversees the work of various agencies, including FDA, CFTC, and the US Forest Service. Additionally, the committee has jurisdiction over issues related to trade, including the NAFTA and the USMCA, which have significant implications for American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and United States Chamber of Commerce. The committee's work is also informed by the research and recommendations of organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences, National Agricultural Statistics Service, and Economic Research Service.

● Subcommittees

The committee has six subcommittees, each with its own jurisdiction and responsibilities, including the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit, which oversees issues related to commodity markets and energy policy, and the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, which oversees issues related to nutrition programs and USDA operations. Other subcommittees include the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, and the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. These subcommittees work closely with various stakeholders, including National Farmers Union, American Soybean Association, and National Corn Growers Association, to address issues related to agricultural trade, sustainability, and food safety.

● Members

The committee has 47 members, including Glenn Thompson as chair and David Scott as ranking member, with representatives from various states, including California, Texas, Iowa, and Minnesota. Other notable members include Chellie Pingree, Jim Costa, and Austin Scott, who have worked on issues related to organic farming, rural development, and agricultural research. The committee's members have also worked closely with other congressional committees, including the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Natural Resources, to address issues related to energy policy, environmental conservation, and public lands.

● Notable Legislation

The committee has played a key role in shaping significant legislation, including the Agricultural Act of 2014, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, and the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The committee has also worked on legislation related to trade, including the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 and the Trade Act of 2002, which have significant implications for USDA, USTR, and WTO. Additionally, the committee has addressed issues related to food safety, including the Food Safety Modernization Act, and nutrition programs, including the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which have been informed by the work of organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Health Organization. The committee's work has also been shaped by significant events, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have highlighted the importance of agricultural policy and food security in addressing global challenges.

Category:United States congressional committees