WASHINGTON— Yesterday, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) was appointed to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for the 116^thCongress. He will also continue serving on the Homeland Security and Defense Subcommittees.

“I look forward to continuing to serve on the House Appropriations Committee with a new assignment on Agriculture,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I understand the important role this subcommittee plays in providing all Americans with the safest, most abundant food source in the world as well as the support it offers to our ranchers and farmers. This appointment will allow me to more actively take part in addressing agricultural issues of critical importance to rural communities in the 28^thDistrict of Texas and across the country.”

“Texas Farm Bureau is very proud of Congressman Henry Cuellar for being appointed to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture,” said Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) President Russell Boening. “Congressman Cuellar has been a true friend and steadfast advocate for Texas farmers and ranchers. He has worked hard on key issues important to TFB, such as providing resources to help eradicate the cattle fever tick and increasing trade opportunities. We know he will serve his constituents and agriculture very well in his new role, and we congratulate him on this major accomplishment.”

“As a strong advocate for America’s farmers and ranchers, Congressman Cuellar is an excellent choice for the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Kevin Kester. “We look forward to working with him to address the policy priorities of cattlemen and cattlewomen in the 116th Congress. Together we can support rural livelihoods and help feed families in the United States and around the world.”

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar is tasked with oversight of the Federal budget, review of proposed expenditures, and crafting the legislation that outlines annual spending for government agencies.

Congressman Cuellar continued, “I remain committed to serving on the Homeland Security and Defense Subcommittees, bolstering our nation’s role in national defense, national security, and intelligence. Now, more than ever, we need the utilize our resources to continue leading in innovation and technology, while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I will continue to work with my colleagues through the appropriations process, making the country safer and more secure.”

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

The Agriculture Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing funding for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Credit Administration, Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The subcommittee provides funding for farmers, ranchers, rural development, small business development, nutrition programs, food banks, school lunches, and more. 

Subcommittee on Homeland Security

The Homeland Security Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing funding for the Department of Homeland Security which includes Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Office of Domestic Preparedness Funding, among others.

Subcommittee on Defense

The Defense Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing funding for the Department of Defense, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency. The Defense Subcommittee has oversight of the largest component of federal discretionary spending. The Committee provides funding for our troops, weapons programs, and military conflicts abroad.

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