WASHINGTON – Below is a statement from House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott following the announcements from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of their intention to step down from their House Democratic Leadership positions:

“Both Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer were very helpful to me in securing passage of legislation to add $100 million to our student scholarship program for the 1890 Land Grant African American colleges and universities and to make this student scholarship program for the 1890s permanent.

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer have been great friends to our House Agriculture Committee. Speaker Pelosi’s influence was crucial to the completion of the 2008 Farm Bill and ensuring the passage of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Leader Hoyer has also played a key role in ensuring the passage of the last three farm bills and has always been a key supporter of our farmers and ranchers, including his own Southern Maryland producers. Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer joined me in passing the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to bring down food prices at the grocery store and gas prices at the pump. I thank them for their leadership and support of our agriculture industry.”