Will be only Texas Democrat on committee in 113th Congress

Brownsville, Texas – Today, The United States House of Representatives House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee appointed Congressman-elect Filemon Vela of the 34th District of Texas to serve on the House Agriculture Committee in the 113th Congress.  Vela is the only Texas Democrat who will serve on the Committee.

“I thank the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, its leadership, and my Democratic colleagues for entrusting me with this important committee assignment, which will serve South Texas well,” Vela said. “I look forward to working on a number of issues that are important to all South Texans, and throughout the country. My assignment to the House Agriculture Committee will allow me to listen to and speak for the working people, farmers, retailers and businesses that contribute to our nation's food chain.”

Vela replaces fellow Texan Congressman Henry Cuellar of Laredo, who was recently appointed to the powerful House Appropriations Committee.  Cuellar, a four-term U.S. Congressman, has served on the House Agriculture Committee for several years.

“I want to congratulate my friend, Representative-elect Filemon Vela on his assignment to the House Agriculture Committee for the 113th Congress. As a former member of the committee, I understand the importance of our ranchers and farmers in South Texas,” Cuellar said.

“I am confident Mr. Vela will be a strong advocate for Texas agriculture and, as I did, continue our efforts to pass the Farm Bill which directly impacts the lives of people in South Texas and across the country,” Cuellar said. “The important provisions of this bill relate to nutrition programs and the allocation of funds for food assistance in schools and food banks; passing this legislation is crucial for the health of our children and the community.”

Congressman Ruben Hinojosa of Mercedes, the newly elected chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and a member of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, also supported Vela’s nomination to the House Agriculture Committee.

“At a time when we are fighting for our farmers and ranchers in Texas and across the nation to get a bill passed that will serve to help them, I can think of no one better to advocate for them in Congress than Congressman-elect Filemon Vela,” Hinojosa said. “This is a crucial time for these families who are struggling to keep food on our tables and theirs. Mr. Vela will bring a strong voice to Congress in finding solutions. I congratulate Mr. Vela on his appointment to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.”

Dale Murden, state director of the Texas Farm Bureau, was elated to learn the news that Vela would serve on the House Agriculture Committee in the 113th Congress.

“We are excited to continue the agricultural leadership of South Texas started with former chairman Kika DeLa Garza, and continued with Henry Cuellar.  We appreciate Mr. Vela's recognition of the importance of agriculture to this district and are pleased with his commitment to our industry and the relationship we have with him,” Murden said.

Raquel Suarez of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange praised Vela’s assignment to the House Agriculture Committee.

“Congressional oversight of commodity futures trading falls under the jurisdiction of the House Agriculture Committee,” Suarez said.

The Rio Grande Valley's role in this nation's agricultural industry is significant, and Vela’s family history has played a role in South Texas’ farming and ranching for generations.

In 1871, Vela’s great-great grandfather Macedonio Vela’s daughter Carlota planted the first orange tree in the Rio Grande Valley on the historical Laguna Seca Ranch near Edinburg.  Carlota Vela received orange seeds from a Spanish traveling priest.

Today, the Rio Grande Valley is an important citrus-producing area and over one billion dollars in agricultural products are sold in the 34th District of Texas.

Manuela Rendon, executive director of the Ninos Head Start Inc., was pleased to know of Vela’s appointment to the House Agriculture Committee.

“Nutrition is a very crucial aspect in the lives of the 2,914 children we serve daily through the USDA in our program.  Without the high nutritional value of the meals we serve, our children would not be able to develop to their maximum potential.  It is so good to have Congressman Vela, a true Head Start supporter and advocate, represent our area and interest in the House Agriculture Committee,” Rendon said.

In the next few weeks, Vela will receive his second committee assignment in the House of Representatives.

Vela will be sworn in by House Speaker John Boehner at noon Eastern Time, January 3, 2012, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.