Agriculture & Energy

Agriculture, conservation and energy are all issues that are extremely important to Iowans. The Fourth District is one of the leading agricultural production districts in America and will lead the nation in egg and pork production and will be near the top in corn and soybean production as well. It will also rank first among all 435 congressional districts in ethanol and total renewable energy production. Agriculture is a major part of our economy and our communities in Iowa, and federal agricultural policy has a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of Iowans. All new wealth comes from the land, and we need to add value to those resources as close to the corn stalk and bean stubble as we can.

In 2008, as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I helped write the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, more commonly known as the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill was set to be renewed in 2012, and as a senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I played an active role in the legislative process. I was disappointed with the outcome of the 2012 Farm Bill. After working with Chairman Frank Lucas and my fellow Agriculture Committee Members, it was disappointing that the House never voted on the version of the Farm Bill that was approved by the Committee on July 11, 2012. Ultimately, an extension of the 2008 Farm Bill was included in the 'fiscal cliff' legislation at the end of the 112th Congress, and the 2008 Farm Bill was extended until September 30, 2013. As the House Agriculture Committee continues work on a new, five year Farm Bill, I will ensure that the farmers and producers from the Fourth District have a voice at the table.

I also believe it is important that the Fourth District remain a leader in wind energy, ethanol and biodiesel production. In order to become energy independent, we need to increase the size of the domestically produced energy pie by pursuing an all of the above domestic energy policy. Doing so will help to decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy, and as the founding co-chair of the Ag Energy User's Caucus, I work hard to advance legislation to do just that.