WASHINGTON, DC – Now that the Senate has approved a power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans, committee work can begin, particularly for the Senate Agriculture Committee. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI-D), the new Chairwoman of the Committee, has signaled her priorities for the next two years and they reflect some of the same priorities from the new Biden Administration. For the 117th Congress, Stabenow says Senators should prepare to respond to the ongoing pandemic, a hunger crisis, and major disruptions across the nation’s food supply chain. The Committee will also address the climate crisis with voluntary, producer-led, bipartisan solutions. Fighting childhood hunger through stronger child nutrition programs will also be a priority. The Committee, she says, will work with the Biden Administration to improve economic opportunities and the quality of life in rural communities, including expanded high-speed internet access, small business support, and rural clean energy jobs. Finally, Stabenow explains that now is the time to lay the groundwork for the next Farm Bill with hearings aimed at finding what works, what doesn’t, and what changes need to be made before the current legislation expires in 2023.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)