Blue Dog Special Task Force on Rural America to Play Key Role on 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee

Yesterday, several members of the Blue Dog Special Task Force on Rural America were named as conferees for the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee, where Republican and Democratic members will come together in an effort to develop a bipartisan Farm Bill.

Key members of the Special Task Force were appointed to the Committee, including the following: Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture and founding member of the Blue Dog Coalition, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN); Chair of the Blue Dog Special Task Force on Rural America, Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ); Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair for Administration, Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA); and member of the Blue Dog Special Task Force on Rural America, Rep. David Scott (D-GA).

Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Chairman of the Blue Dog Special Task Force on Rural America, issued the following statement:

“Agriculture touches every corner of this country, and this Farm Bill will impact every single American. With crop prices at historic lows and rural communities losing out on critical economic development opportunities, it is imperative that we get this legislation right. We must ensure our rural communities and ag producers—some of the hardest working folks in our country—have the support they need to succeed and thrive.

“I’m proud of the fact that the Blue Dog Special Task Force on Rural America will play a key role in forming a bipartisan Farm Bill. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working with members of this conference committee to prioritize real solutions that address the issues affecting rural America.”

###