News from U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH NAMED CO-CHAIR OF HOUSE RURAL WORKING GROUP – ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO SERVING RURAL AMERICA

 Announces Agriculture Subcommittee Assignments

February 15, 2005, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth has been named co-chair of the House Democratic Rural Working Group, a group comprised of members of Congress representing rural districts in the United States Congress.  In this role, Herseth will work to raise the profile of issues facing rural America, and make those issues a part of the national debate in Washington.   

Herseth said, “To me, and to most South Dakotans, the word ‘rural’ means more than agriculture.  It means economic development, a smart national energy policy, essential infrastructure, fair treatment for veterans, and accessible health care.”  Herseth noted the need for members representing rural districts to work together in Congress. “Too many times, as legislation is developed in Washington, rural America is left behind.  With a proposed budget that cuts farm programs, rural health programs, and hurts smaller school districts, it’s essential that we have a strong voice and a unified strategy in representing rural America.”

Herseth, who is traveling to Europe with other members of the House Agriculture Committee this weekend to discuss access to European Union markets for U.S. products, also announced that she has been named to three Agriculture subcommittees: 

Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture

This subcommittee is the primary committee for issues effecting livestock producers including trade, grazing issues, meat inspection, and country-of-origin labeling.

Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management

This subcommittee deals with commodity programs administered by USDA, including wheat, corn and soybeans.  The subcommittee also has oversight over the commodity exchanges.

Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research

This subcommittee has oversight for agricultural research programs, rural development, agricultural credit, rural electrification, extension services, and biotechnology.

Herseth said, “These three subcommittees allow me to concentrate efforts to improve and assist South Dakota’s livestock and grain industries, as well conservation and farm credit programs.”

Last weekend, in advance of her Congressional delegation trip to meet with European Union trade negotiators, Herseth hosted Ag Summit meetings in Rapid City and Sioux Falls with commodity groups to receive input from producers on EU trade conditions that she will take to her meetings in Europe.  Herseth will leave for Europe later this week.

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