Sen. Ernst to Chair Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy

WASHINGTON, DC. – Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, named Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) as the Subcommittee Chair on Rural Development and Energy.

The Rural Development and Energy subcommittee oversees numerous programs in the rural development mission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including economic recovery as well as job and business growth; telecommunications and utilities; electrification; loans; housing; and improving renewable energy and energy efficiency for farms and ranches.

“Agriculture is the lifeblood of Iowa and I’m honored to chair this important subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “Our focus is on improving the quality of life for Iowa farmers – and farmers across the country – as well as identifying ways to innovate and enhance our agricultural industry. We will work tirelessly to promote measures that will help strengthen our rural communities through job growth, energy innovation and economic development. We are ready to get to work.”

Senator Ernst will also serve on the subcommittees of Nutrition, Specialty Crops and Agricultural Research as well as Livestock, Marketing and Agricultural Security.

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