Dr. Benishek Named To House Committee on Agriculture

WASHINGTON, DC:  Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today was named as a new member of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 113th Congress. 

“I am deeply honored to be selected as a new member of the House Committee on Agriculture.  As a lifelong resident of Northern Michigan, I know just how important agriculture and farming is to our region.  Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting farms and meeting farmers all over the First District and learning more about their issues.  I am committed to being a voice for Northern Michigan’s farmers in Congress,” said Dr. Benishek, a general surgeon from Iron River.

“I am pleased that Congressman Benishek will be joining the House Agriculture Committee in the next Congress.  The work of our committee affects every American and I look forward to working with Dan on these important issues,” said Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

The House Committee on Agriculture was created on May 3, 1820, and has jurisdiction in the House of Representatives over all agricultural issues.  According to the Michigan Farm Bureau, the agriculture sector contributes over $71 billion to state’s the economy.  Michigan is home to over 56,000 farms covering over 10 million acres. 

Additionally, the Committee has jurisdiction over forestry issues and the U.S. Forest Service, which is critical to Michigan’s First District as it contains three national forests which total some 2.3 million acres of woodlands.  Dr. Benishek has been a leader in Congress on forestry issues and has passed legislation to create jobs in Northern Michigan by ensuring more timber is responsibly harvested in federal forests.    

“Whether it was assisting farmers with the fruit crop freeze in Lower Michigan or discussing the impact of federal regulations with farmers in the U.P., I am proud to have been fighting for Northern Michigan’s farmers while in Congress.  I am looking forward to working with Chairman Lucas and my colleagues on the Committee in the 113th Congress to craft policies that will help our local farmers, loggers, and improve the economy in Northern Michigan,” added Dr. Benishek. 

Dr. Benishek also sits on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. 

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