WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Putnam will be part of a new task force focusing on issues facing rural America.  Formation of the Rural America Solutions Group was announced by U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio.

“As someone who was born and raised in rural America, I look forward to working on these vital issues and joining Members of Congress from around the country in formulating needed policies,” said Putnam.

The 15-member task force will be chaired by the ranking members of the House committees on Natural Resources, Small Business and House Agriculture Committee, Washington.

“Families, small businesses, and farmers in rural areas are struggling, and this group will work to provide positive solutions to help farming and agricultural communities across the nation hit hard by this recession,” said Boehner

Members of the Rural America Solutions Group include:

• Frank Lucas (R-OK) – Co-Chair
• Doc Hastings (R-WA) – Co-Chair
• Sam Graves (R-MO) – Co-Chair
• Rob Bishop (R-UT
• Henry Brown (R-SC
• Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)
• Mike Conaway (R-TX)
• Steve King (R-IA)
• Tom Latham (R-IA)
• Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
• Cynthia Lummis (R-WY
• Tom McClintock (R-CA)
• Adam Putnam (R-FL)
• George Radonovich (R-CA)
• Phil Roe (R-TN)
• Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida's 12^th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.