Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott named first Black chairman of House Agriculture Committee

ATLANTA — A Georgia congressman has been approved as the new chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, becoming the first African-American named to the position.

The House Agriculture Committee oversees the agriculture industry, forestry, nutrition and rural development. It also oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps. Agriculture is Georgia’s No. 1 industry.

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“I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee,” Scott said in a statement. “I was born on my grandparents’ farm in rural Aynor, South Carolina, during the days of segregation, and the hardships, of those, on whose shoulders I now stand. I owe this historic selection as the first African American Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee to a diverse coalition of members from across our nation.”

“I will use this critical opportunity to represent the values of our entire caucus and advance our priorities for trade, disaster aid, climate change, sustainable agriculture, SNAP, crop insurance, small family farms, specialty crops, and rural broadband. The fault lines dividing our rural and urban communities are running deep, and climate change is now threatening our nation’s food supply. As Chairman, I will lead the fight to rise up and meet these challenges,” Scott continued in his statement.

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Scott began his political career with former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young’s 1972 campaign. Scott then served as a Georgia State Representative from 1975 to 1982 and a Georgia State Senator from 1983 until 2002.

Scott was first elected to represent Georgia’s 13th District in 2003. Last month, Scott defeated challengers Republican Becky Hites and Libertarian Martin Cowen to win his re-election bid.

On the agriculture committee, Scott previously served on the Subcommittee for General Farm Commodities and Risk Management along with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry.

During his time in Washington, Scott has served on the Committee on Financial Services and NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Scott replaces Minnesota Rep. Collin Petersen as the agriculture chairman.

“Congratulations to David Scott on his election as the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and as the first African-American to serve in that role,” Peterson said in a statement. “He will make a great Chairman, and I’m proud to pass the reins to him.”

“As a long-time House Ag member and leader, David knows very well the impact the Committee’s work has on the lives of farmers, ranchers, rural residents, and consumers in communities across the country. I’m confident we’re all in good and capable hands.”

Congressman David Scott remembers civil rights icon and friend Congressman John Lewis July 26, 2020

Cox Media Group