Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Ag committee seat was campaign promise
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, was named to the Agriculture, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology committees in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Iowa Fourth District Rep. Randy Feenstra was selected this week to serve on three committees in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Hull Republican was named to the Agriculture, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology committees. Feenstra was especially pleased with his Agriculture Committee spot, as it marked the first time since 2019 that Iowa's Fourth District had a seat at the table.
Former Rep. Steve King was removed from the committee two years ago by Republican leadership following offensive remarks published in a New York Times article.
"I am honored to be a voice for Iowa and the Midwest on this committee," Feenstra said in a news release. "I have lived in northwest Iowa my whole life, so fighting for rural Iowa and defending our rural main streets is personal to me. I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver results for rural Iowa by promoting policies that create jobs and drive economic growth."
According to the USDA, Iowa's Fourth District is the largest crop growing district in the country, No. 1 in hog and pig production, No. 2 in overall ag production, and No. 3 in livestock, poultry and products.
Feenstra said he hopes to provide pricing transparency in Iowa's agriculture markets; protect the Renewable Fuel Standard and the biofuels industry; expand broadband access; bolster Iowa's relationship with Canada and Mexico; support family farms by keeping taxes low and reducing regulations; and encourage innovation in agriculture to help spur economic growth.
Feenstra said his main goals on the other two committees are reducing the national debt and finding opportunities to advance agricultural technology to improve the lives of Iowa farmers.
The freshman congressman said debt reduction and control "is paramount."
"I will seek common ground where I am able, but it's imperative the budget committee cuts back on reckless spending that will only add to our existing $27 trillion national debt," he said. "As a father of four, I firmly believe it is my responsibility as an elected official to leave this country better than I found it. That begins by balancing the federal budget and implementing policies that help spur rural economic growth by encouraging innovation in agriculture."
