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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi Selects Etheridge and Herseth to Co-Chair Democratic Rural Working Group
Washington, D.C. — House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced the appointment of Representatives Bob Etheridge (D-NC) and Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) as co-chairs of the Democratic Rural Working Group.
“Bob Etheridge and Stephanie Herseth are tireless advocates for rural communities,” Pelosi said. “They understand the challenges rural families face, including rising gas prices, and they will serve rural Americans well as leaders of the Democratic Rural Working Group.”
“I am honored to be appointed to chair the Rural Working Group by Leader Pelosi, and I look forward to working with Representative Herseth for our rural communities,” Etheridge said. “From education to the economy, and from agriculture to health care, Democrats are committed to providing hope and opportunity for the hard-working, God-fearing people of rural America.”
Herseth said: “Too often, rural America gets left out of the debate in Washington. The word 'rural' means more than agriculture. It means economic development, a smart national energy policy, essential infrastructure, fair treatment for veterans, and accessible, affordable health care. I am pleased to help lead the Rural Working Group's efforts to highlight these vital issues.”
The co-chairs said that skyrocketing gas prices are acutely affecting rural families, and they will work to lower them. Etheridge said that farmers struggle with high costs to keep their equipment running, and rural workers commute long distances. Herseth expressed support for policies to promote ethanol and biodiesel, noting alternative fuels benefit economically challenged rural areas, the environment and national security.
Etheridge and Herseth will continue the work of the Rural Working Group’s original co-chairs, Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Collin Peterson (D-MN), who worked to develop the group’s Rural Priorities, organize town meetings, and speak out for rural communities. Thompson and Peterson have now been named as Ranking Democrats on two key committees, Thompson as the senior Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee and Peterson as the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee.
The Rural Working Group’s 46 members work with rural constituents, experts, and national organizations to develop Democratic rural policy priorities.
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
