Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) will join the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee in the next Congress.

The committee oversees the U.S. Department of Agriculture and represents the interests of America's farmers. It also has jurisdiction over the nation's food and nutrition programs, assists with rural development, and helps regulate our natural resources.

In addition to joining the Ag Committee, Graham will retain his current assignments on the Armed Service, Budget, Judiciary, and Veterans' Affairs committees.

"I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee and represent the interests and needs of South Carolina's farmers," said Graham.

Graham noted the Agriculture Committee has a great impact on South Carolina. Beyond farming, the committee also oversees the USDA Rural Development program which provides grants to promote economic development and helps to ensure our state's children receive proper nutrition in schools.

In addition, the Agriculture Committee is scheduled to reauthorize the farm bill in the next Congress as many provisions in the 2002 farm bill will expire in 2007. The committee is expected to craft legislation reauthorizing federal farm support, food assistance, agricultural trade, marketing, and rural development policies.

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia), the ranking Republican on the committee made the following statement about Graham.

"I'm very pleased my colleague and good friend Senator Graham will be serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee," said Chambliss. "Lindsey is one of the true leaders in the Senate. He's respected by his Republican and Democratic colleagues for his common-sense approach to solving our nation's problems. South Carolina and America's farmers have a strong advocate and friend on the Ag Committee in Lindsey Graham."

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