Associated Press

Nebraska Republican Ben Sasse has been named chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Livestock, Marketing, and Agriculture Security.

A news release Wednesday announcing the appointment says the subcommittee has jurisdiction over livestock issues, agricultural marketing programs, pest and disease management, agriculture security and dairy programs.

Sasse said Nebraska leads the country in red meat production and he looks forward to "standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nebraska's producers as we promote responsible policy and keep the future of agriculture strong."