WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement regarding his selection as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies:

“Farmers and ranchers provide the food, fuel and fiber for our growing world and are the economic drivers of communities and local businesses across Kansas. Regardless of our job or where we live, agriculture matters to all of us. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, I welcome the opportunity to focus on investing in policies that are vital to Kansas farmers and ranchers, such as agriculture research and extension and Farm Bill implementation. Additionally, through the subcommittee’s jurisdiction over the FDA budget, I will work to advance public health innovations, including development of new medicines, medical devices and food safety technology. It is also critical that as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars we take a hard look at spending in areas of government that aren’t working, and many times even harmful to rural America.”

“We are beyond excited that Sen. Moran has earned this key leadership position on agricultural issues in the U.S. Senate,” said Kansas Farm Bureau President and Montgomery County farmer Richard Felts. “Sen. Moran has always been a champion for farmers and ranchers, and we look forward to his continued strong leadership on behalf of agriculture and rural Kansas.” 

Prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Moran served for 14 years on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee including as chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. Throughout his time in Congress, he has been a leading advocate for protecting and preserving the special way of life Kansans enjoy. Sen. Moran continues to fight to make certain farming and ranching families have the opportunity to earn a living and pass on their agricultural heritage to the next generation of producers, all while working to eliminate wasteful spending.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) will chair the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.