News

Johnson elected Speaker of the House

U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been elected Speaker of the House.

Many ag groups are welcoming the announcement, noting that House can now return to work and focus on issues critical to America’s farmers and ranchers. 

American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall says members of the U.S. ag industry are relying on Speaker Johnson, and Congress to come together and complete the fiscal year 2024 appropriations and pass a farm bill.  AFBF says Johnson has a strong history of supporting America’s farmers and ranchers and has earned the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award multiple times.

Kip Eideberg, senior vice president of government and industry relations, with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, says he hopes Speaker Johnson will lead by example and work with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to address the many pressing issues that have been left unresolved. He says AEM looks forward to working with Speaker Johnson and his team to advance policy solutions that invest in rural America, bolster global competitiveness, address the country’s labor shortage, and create family-sustaining American jobs.

National Potato Council president RJ Andrus of Idaho says Representative Johnson’s statements about the farm bill and the appropriations process are encouraging.