LAWMAKERS REVITALIZE CONGRESSIONAL RURAL CAUCUS
News Date March 16, 2009
Reps. Travis Childers (D-MS) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) recently announced their co-chairmanship of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus and outlined efforts to revitalize the organization. The lawmakers said they will jumpstart initiatives to strengthen rural communities struggling under today’s difficult economic conditions.
The Rural Caucus currently includes 69 Republican and Democratic members. Reps. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Tim Walz (D-MN) will serve as Vice-Chairs of the Caucus. It will bring together a working group of members to discuss and address the distinct issues facing America’s rural communities. The body will serve to collectively address these challenges and promote legislation which includes sound rural policies. In addition, the Caucus will host speakers and experts on a wide range of issues to help educate the members on the constantly changing face of rural America. The Caucus has organized four task forces: (1) Telecommunications; (2) Health Care; (3) Education and Economic Development; and (4) Transportation and Infrastructure. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)