House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has named Rep. Dan Newhouse as the new chairman of the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture. The announcement comes after the passing of former subcommittee chair Rep. Doug LaMalfa in January.
“Rep. Newhouse is a valued and engaged member of our committee, and I am proud to see him stepping up to lead the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture," Chairman Thompson said. "He has proven himself to be a true advocate for our country’s working lands and specialty crop producers, and I know this subcommittee will thrive under his leadership. Mr. LaMalfa left big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt in my mind that Rep. Newhouse is the right person to carry on his legacy.”
Rep. Newhouse expressed appreciation for his new role: “It’s truly a privilege to receive the gavel for the Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee. These are two issues that are at the center of our agriculture industry and natural resources in the State of Washington, and I look forward to working closely with Chairman Thompson on moving the Farm Bill this Congress. It is also an honor to fill the shoes of my late friend, Doug LaMalfa, who led this subcommittee as a fighter for these issues in Northern California. I am thankful for this opportunity and ready to get to work.”
The House Committee on Agriculture oversees policy areas including agriculture, forestry, nutrition, rural development, conservation efforts, food safety programs, crop insurance and agricultural trade according to its official website. The committee also works through several subcommittees dedicated to specific policy areas such as forestry and horticulture.
The committee develops legislation like the farm bill which supports agricultural programs and nutrition assistance according to its official website. It is one of the oldest standing panels in Congress with jurisdiction over agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture as noted by its official website.
Rep. Newhouse now leads a subcommittee central to managing natural resources relevant both nationally and within his home state of Washington.
