U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) released the below statement upon Rep. Mike Conaway (TX-11), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, announcing Republican membership subcommittee assignments for the 116th Congress.

In the 116^th Congress, Rep. Scott will again sit on the House Agriculture Committee and serve as the lead Republican on the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit, which also oversees rural development. He will also serve on the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee. This will be Rep. Scott’s fifth term to serve on the Agriculture Committee.

“It is certainly no secret the size and scope the agriculture industry plays in Georgia, and I am thankful to once again be serving on the House Agriculture Committee to bring further reform and relief to our producers and rural communities,” said Rep. Scott. “While I was very glad we could get a new farm bill finished in the 115^th Congress, there is still much work to be done for our farmers and rural areas, including through delivering much-needed federal assistance for those impacted by recent natural disasters. The time to bring this relief is now, and I am continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done.”

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchange, Energy and Credit in the 115^th Congress, Rep. Scott worked to build-up infrastructure in rural communities, namely high-speed broadband services. In the 2018 farm bill, Rep. Scott was able to include two amendments to bring modernization and accountability to broadband services and infrastructure investment in rural American. He seeks to continue that work in the coming years.

“Access to broadband is much more than just streaming videos and gaming, it’s also about creating a 21^st century wireless network to support 21^st century equipment and systems,” said Rep. Scott. “Building a broadband system in our rural communities is good for farmers, police and first responders, as well as students and teachers. In the 116^th Congress, I look forward to continue working with members of the Georgia Delegation as well as my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to bridge the digital dive of rural America.”