Congressman Harris Statement on Being Renamed Chairman of House Appropriations Subcommittee On Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Washington, D.C. - Today, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD) released the following statement after being renamed chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Federal departments funded through this subcommittee's annual appropriations bill include the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Farm Credit Administration. Chairman Harris will also sit on the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies during the 119^th Congress. Dr. Harris has served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for appropriating funding for the federal government, since 2013.

Statement From Chairman Harris:

"It is an honor to be named as Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies subcommittee on Appropriations. Agriculture is the economic backbone of Maryland's First Congressional District, and it touches the lives of Americans daily as we all depend on a safe food and drug supply overseen by both the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, as a physician, I look forward to ensuring the safety and efficacy of the latest developments in drug and medical device research as well as steering our nutrition policy toward promoting healthy food choices, starting with changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)."

Statement From House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole:

"The continued service of Chairman Harris atop the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ensures resolute advocacy for issues that impact the well-being of Americans. He recognizes the breadth and complexity of a portfolio vital to our food and drug supply. From farms to medical research, policies will be focused on a stronger America. I look forward to working with Dr. Harris to safeguard hard-earned tax dollars and support our Article I responsibilities."

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