April 4, 2010
Washington, DC – The Congressional Rural Caucus sent a letter to the President urging him to personally visit rural areas during the Administration’s rural tour this month in order to gain a first-hand understanding of the real need for a White House Office of Rural Policy. In the letter, the Caucus also requested a meeting with top White House officials to share bipartisan information about the many issues of specific importance to constituents in rural districts.
The complete letter is attached.
“The Congressional Rural Caucus applauds the Administration’s decision to tour rural communities throughout the country. We believe visiting these areas first-hand would greatly enhance the President’s understanding of the obstacles facing rural America, and would encourage the White House to continue to address these challenges through the establishment of an Office of Rural Policy. The Caucus hopes the President will take this as an opportunity to learn more about both the strengths and challenges unique to rural communities, and we look forward to hearing his proposed solutions,” said Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Travis Childers (D-MS).
“Rural communities have a lot to offer and are going to be an important part of any economic recovery. It is vitally important this Administration takes into account all areas of our country – both rural and urban. In the last few weeks, I have toured one end of my district to the other, and most of my colleagues on the Congressional Rural Caucus have done likewise. We’ve talked to thousands of Americans, and it is important the President hear their messages,” said Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE).
In March, the Caucus sent a letter to President Barack Obama, calling for the White House to establish an Office of Rural Policy and marking the Caucus’ first order of business as a reestablished body.
The Congressional Rural Caucus is a bipartisan working group of members dedicated to addressing the pressing and unique issues facing America’s rural communities. The body serves to collectively address these challenges and promote legislation that includes sound rural policies. The Caucus is chaired by Congressmen Travis Childers (D-MS) and Adrian Smith (R-NE), and vice-chaired by Congressmen Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Tim Walz (D-MN).
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