Congressman John Salazar Named To Agriculture, Transportation and Veterans Committees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) has been appointed to serve on three House committees during the 110th Congress: Agriculture; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Veterans’ Affairs.

“I am proud and honored to serve on these committees,” said Rep. Salazar. 

“I promise to be an advocate for rural Colorado and ensure that the 3rd Congressional District is properly represented in D.C.”

The House Committee on Agriculture has jurisdiction over a wide range of agriculture issues including renewable energy, disaster assistance, conservation, crop insurance, forestry, and bioterrorism. 

This year the committee will oversee the reauthorization of the federal farm programs in the Farm Bill.  The bill authorizes commodity support, agricultural trade, marketing, food assistance and rural development policies.  The current farm bill was written in 2002, and many of the provisions in that bill will expire. 

“As a lifelong farmer and rancher, it’s my responsibility to make sure that rural Coloradans are properly represented as Congress develops national agriculture policy,” said Salazar. 

Within the Agriculture Committee, Salazar sits on three subcommittees: the Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research Subcommittee; the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee; and the Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee.

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) is the chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is one of the most powerful committees in the U.S. House of Representatives.  It oversees the building of public infrastructure including major projects such as highways, bridges, airports, and public transit systems.

“Many times, rural Colorado’s transportation projects aren’t high on the priority list when it comes to funding,” said Salazar. “I will work to ensure that even the most remote areas receive the services and benefits they deserve.” 

Within the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Salazar sits on two subcommittees: the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, and the Aviation Subcommittee.
U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) is the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

As an Army veteran whose son has served in the National Guard, Salazar says he is qualified to represent veterans’ interests on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“I know first-hand the hardships that our soldiers face serving their country,” said Salazar.  “I will defend our soldiers and make sure that once they serve their country, they receive the benefits and government services they were promised.”

Within the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Salazar sits on the Health Subcommittee.

U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) chairs the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.