Gallego to Serve on Agriculture Committee
Congressman Pete Gallego (TX-23) was today selected to serve on the House Agriculture Committee. The Agriculture Committee has jurisdiction over agriculture, livestock, forestry, water, nutrition, rural development, and other agriculture related fields. Gallego had previously been named to serve on the House Armed Services Committee. Both committees are major committees and solidly fit the profile of the 23rd Congressional District.
“I’m extremely pleased with these committee assignments,” said Congressman Gallego. “These committees put me in position to serve the people of the 23rd District well.”
“I was born and raised in this district,” added Congressman Gallego. “I know firsthand that Agriculture is a huge component of our local economy. The agriculture industry is responsible for billions of dollars in economic activity and tens of thousands of jobs – and we all depend on the industry for the food on or table. I look forward to advocating for ranchers, farmers, our rural areas and our families.”
“I am pleased to have Congressman Pete Gallego join the House Agriculture Committee. As Ranking Member, I look forward to working with Congressman Gallego on the wide range of issues overseen by the Committee,” said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn.
The value of agricultural production in the counties that make up Congressional District 23 was estimated at $1.55 billion in 2011. An estimated 40,400 jobs in the area depend on the production and sales of these commodities for some portion of their income. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, there are 22,172 farms in CD 23.
