Press Releases

Today, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan appointed Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) to serve on the bicameral, bipartisan conference committee established to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the 2018 Farm Bill. “I am honored Speaker Ryan asked me to serve on such a critical committee for agriculture and rural America. As a representative for the hardworking farmers and ranchers across West Texas, and one of the top agriculture producing districts in the country, I know firsthand how important a Farm Bill is to our nation’s economy and national security,” said Arrington. “My goal on this conference committee is to ensure a viable and responsible safety net for all commodities, invest in critical infrastructure to sustain rural communities, provide necessary tools to defend against trade inequities, and make long-overdue reforms to the food stamp program to encourage able-bodied adults to work. “I am committed to finalizing a Farm Bill that will enable U.S. farmers and ranchers to continue to strengthen our economy, maintain our food and fiber independence, and restore the dignity and value of work in America.” House Speaker Paul Ryan said, “As a new member of the Agriculture Committee, Jodey has proven in a short time to be a champion for agriculture and rural America, and a leader who is passionate about moving people from welfare to work. That’s why I chose him for this role and I look forward to working with him on this landmark legislation to provide stability for our farmers and upward mobility for more Americans.” House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway said, “Agriculture is the lifeblood and identity of West Texas, and this Farm Bill will ensure continued prosperity for our region for generations to come. From the outset, Jodey has been a strong voice for agriculture and relentless in his pursuit to provide producers with the certainty of a reliable safety net. His can-do attitude will be an asset to this committee, and I am glad to have a fellow West Texan at my side every step of the way as we move this Farm Bill to the President’s desk." BACKGROUND In addition to Congressman Arrington, the following Members of Congress will serve on the conference committee: House Agriculture Committee

1. Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX)
2. Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
3. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
4. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK)
5. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL)
6. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA)
7. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR)
8. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO)
9. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL)
10. Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL)
11. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC)
12. Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS)

House Education and the Workforce Committee

1. Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
2. Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA)

House Energy and Commerce Committee

1. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL)
2. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

House Financial Services Committee

1. Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
2. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI)

House Foreign Affairs Committee

1. Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA)
2. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee

1. Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC)
2. Rep. James Comer (R-KY)

House Natural Resources Committee

1. Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT)
2. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

House Science, Space, and Technology Committee

1. Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-LA)
2. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL)

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

1. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA)
2. Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH)

In December, Arrington delivered a speech on the House floor outlining West Texas’ priorities in the Farm Bill.