Sen. Luther Strange and his wife Melissa with Vice President Mike Pence at the swearing-in ceremony.
Alabama farmers welcomed news that U.S. Sen. Luther Strange, R-Ala., will serve on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.
“Agriculture is Alabama’s number-one industry, and it is exciting to have a senator on the Ag Committee,” said Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker. “Sen. Strange will play a pivotal role in the design of the next farm bill and will also be in a strong position to advance other policies that benefit farmers, consumers and Alabama as a whole.”
Strange also has seats on the Senate Budget, Armed Services and Energy and Natural Resources committees.
“It was a great privilege to be sworn in to the United States Senate yesterday,” said Strange. “As I took the oath of office, I reaffirmed my commitment to working every day to represent the people of Alabama with honor.
“I look forward to hitting the ground running in these four critical committees to advance conservative principles and fight for a more lean and efficient federal government,” he added. “Each of these committees impacts hard-working Alabamians all across our state.”
As Alabama’s attorney general, Strange opposed the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which would have expanded EPA’s regulation of private lands by changing the interpretation of the Clean Water Act. As a result, common farming and forestry practices could require a permit or be subject to large penalties.