House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig delivered the following opening statement at today's organization meeting for the 119th Congress. Watch the full meeting here.

[As prepared for delivery]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am excited to get to work!  As the granddaughter of an Arkansas bean, rice, and cotton farmer, agriculture is in my blood. My grandfather lost the farm in the 1980s farm crisis. I saw what losing that meant for him, my family and my community. So, I take what I hear from farmers and ranchers to heart.

One thing that I hear time and time again from producers is that they need certainty and steadiness. With that in mind, it’s critical that we pass a bipartisan farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net and provides opportunities for new and beginning farmers.

Now, I think the Chairman knows a little about me. We’ve worked well together in the past, spent a recent weekend at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and sat together at the Inauguration. So Chairman, I want to work with you on a new farm bill that keeps farmers farming, that builds up rural America and that supports those who rely on USDA programs. Bipartisanship is the only way we get this done.

Last year’s bill had some really strong provisions, and others that needed work. It didn’t have the votes to pass then; and it doesn’t now. I want a different result this Congress. I want a bill that GT and I can stand together shoulder to shoulder and support. But that doesn’t just take the two of us – that takes all of us working together as a Committee – a Committee, might I add, that has a strong history of bipartisanship.

I would be remiss not to mention reconciliation. I, like my colleagues, have seen Chairman Arrington’s “menu” of cuts. Let me be clear: bringing those cuts to this Committee during a reconciliation markup will jeopardize the bipartisan support we all know a farm bill needs in order to pass. SNAP creates demand for the food that farmers grow, manufacturers package, truckers haul and grocery stores sell. We need to think of all the people that the farm bill serves and not let politics mess that up.

I’m laser-focused on ensuring we get a new farm bill that works for America’s family farmers – it's time to get it done. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Chairman, and all of my colleagues. Now, I’d like to quickly introduce our new Democratic Members of the Agriculture Committee.

I would like to welcome Dr. Shri Thanedar from Michigan to the committee. He has been a longtime advocate for hardworking families in Metro Detroit both as a Member of Congress and in the Michigan Legislature. 

It is my pleasure to welcome Adam Gray from Merced, California, who grew up working in his family’s dairy supply and feed store. Adam knows firsthand the impacts ag supply chain shortages have on the agriculture community. 

Another new member to the committee from Michigan, Kristen McDonald Rivet grew up in a small town and was raised in a working-class household.  Kristin is a first-generation college student, receiving her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and her master’s degree at the University of Michigan-Flint.

From the newly formed District 2 in Alabama, I would like to welcome Shomari Figures.  Shomari has a long history of public service as a White House Liaison and as a Counsel for Congress where he served as an advisor on issues including civil rights, immigration, homeland security, child welfare, and policing. 

Taking my friend Abigail Spanberger’s seat, I welcome Eugene Vindman from Virginia to the committee. Eugene came to America with his father, brothers, and grandmother when he was just four years old. He is a retired US Army officer and former deputy legal advisor for the National Security Council. 

I would also like to welcome the new member from New York, Josh Riley. Even though he can’t be here with us today due to illness, he is here in spirit. Josh is a fifth-generation upstate New Yorker who was born and raised in a working-class neighborhood. Josh witnessed firsthand the impact to his community when the local factories closed and understands the importance of supporting local jobs. 

Another new member from New York, John Mannion, represents New York’s 22nd Congressional District including the communities of Syracuse, Utica, Oneida, Auburn, and Cortland. John spent nearly three decades teaching high school science and served as a New York State Senator. In that role he fought to boost employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 

Our last new member, April McClain Delaney represents Maryland’s 6th congressional district. Born and raised in Idaho, and the second daughter of an Idaho potato farmer, April knows the importance of supporting our nation’s farmers. As a mother of four like me, she’s committed to addressing rising costs.