With Democrats controlling the House and Senate, the priorities of the respective Ag committees have changed compared to sessions past. More of a focus are climate change, racial equality, and hunger programs in more urbanized areas.

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Dan Newhouse, chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, said while he plans to work with the majority party to address these issues and others, he said he will continue to focus on issues directly impacting the day-to-day operations of American farmers. Those priorities include ensuring Ag research dollars are made available now and into the future.

“One of my biggest priorities is expanding rural broadband.  I think we’ll have a lot of support doing that, because of the pandemic.  That really proved to us the inequities of broadband connections between rural and urban areas in this country.  So, there’s a lot of support for improving that.”

Newhouse noted Ag labor reform remains a priority for farm country.

“Although not a “primary” committee of jurisdiction, agriculture will certainly be one that is important as we continue our efforts to reform the agricultural labor laws.”

Newhouse added he will work closely will new House Ag Committee Chairman David Scott, and the entire committee to ensure the voices of farmers are heard.

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