Committee Assignments

House Committee on Agriculture
I have been a member of the Committee on Agriculture since coming to Congress in 1992. During the 110th Congress, I became the Vice Chairman of that Committee, as well as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research . I also serve on the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research has jurisdiction over soil, water, and resource conservation; small watershed programs; energy and biobased energy production; rural electrification; agricultural credit; agricultural research, education and extension services.

The Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry has jurisdiction over livestock; dairy; meat; seafood and seafood products; inspection, marketing and promotion of such commodities; aquaculture, animal welfare; and grazing.

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
During the 105th Congress, I was appointed to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I am honored and excited about the opportunities I have on the full Committee as well as the Subcommittee level. As Congress prepares for the next Highway Bill in 2009, I will be working with my colleagues on the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit to ensure that an effective and robust Highway Bill becomes law. I also serve on the Subcommittee on Aviation.

The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit has responsibility for national surface transportation policy; construction and improvement of highway and transit facilities; implementation of safety and research programs; and regulation of commercial vehicle operations.

The Subcommittee on Aviation has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil aviation, including safety, infrastructure, labor, and international issues. Also, The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs, except of research activities.