Washington – Arkansas’s senior U.S. Senator, Blanche Lincoln, has been tapped as the next Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. In the committee’s 184-year history, Lincoln will be the first Arkansan and first female ever to serve as Chairman.
“As a seventh-generation Arkansan and farmer’s daughter, I know my father is smiling down on me today,” Lincoln said. “I am fortunate to have served on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry since I was first elected to the Senate in 1998. It has been a committee of significant importance to my constituents and our state’s economy. The Committee’s responsibilities encompass a number of issues that are critical to Americans, particularly those living in rural areas. With such priorities as child nutrition reauthorization, farm bill implementation, and regulation of commodities, the Committee has a full plate. I thank Senator Harkin for his tremendous leadership. As Chairman, I will work with my colleagues to build upon the Committee’s strong record and devote my full energy to producing forward-looking, balanced priorities on behalf of all families and communities. I will continue to fight for the hardworking farm families and rural communities who provide the safest, most abundant and affordable supply of food and fiber in the world.”
* Lincoln has served on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry since January 1999; has served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Revitalization, Conservation, Forestry, and Credit, during the current 111th Congress.
* Served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Production, Income Protection, and Price Support, during the 110th Congress.
* Played key role in the 2008 farm bill debate, ensuring a strong safety net for America’s farm families.
* Since 2005, has served as Chair of Rural Outreach, building relationships with a broad coalition of rural advocacy groups in order to demonstrate Senate Democrats’ commitment to rural America.
* Founded bipartisan Senate Hunger Caucus in 2004 to help focus the Senate’s attention to the hunger that exists in this country.
* As a member of the House of Representatives, Lincoln served on the House Committee on Agriculture from 1993-1995
