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ST. PAUL 鈥� It鈥檚 been a big week for two Minnesota leaders, who earned top spots on national agriculture committees.

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who represents Minnesota鈥檚 2nd Congressional District, was elected the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, Dec. 17. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar was chosen to serve as the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Klobuchar has been a member of the Agriculture Committee since her first term in Congress, working to pass three farm bills.

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Upon their selection, both women spoke about the need to pass a new farm bill.

鈥淲hen I first came to the Senate, my number-one request was to be on the Agriculture Committee,鈥� Klobuchar shared in a statement. 鈥淚 wanted to work on behalf of Minnesota鈥檚 farmers, make sure Americans could feed their families, and boost our rural economy. From working across the aisle to strengthen our defenses against animal disease outbreaks to bolstering our ability to produce home-grown fuel and supporting conservation efforts, the work of the Agriculture Committee touches every aspect of our lives. I look forward to working with Chairman Boozman and Representatives Craig and G.T. Thompson to pass a strong farm bill.鈥�

Craig won the popular vote over California Rep. Jim Costa in a Tuesday vote. That鈥檚 after the current ranking Democrat on the agriculture panel, Rep. David Scott of Georgia, dropped out of the running on Monday, Dec. 16, after the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee voted to recommend Craig. Scott, 79, has been dealing with illness.

(Eric Connolly / U.S. House Office)

Upon hearing the announcement that she鈥檇 won the vote 121-92 over Costa, Craig expressed appreciation to farmers and supporters in Minnesota.

鈥淚 just won my D+1 district by nearly 14 points because my farmers and rural constituents know that I鈥檒l meet them where they鈥檙e at, I鈥檒l listen to their concerns and I鈥檒l work with whoever I can to improve their lives,鈥� Craig said in a statement. 鈥淢y focus will be on improving people鈥檚 lives 鈥� not scoring political points. We can lower food and energy costs for consumers. We can strengthen the farm safety net and open the doors of opportunity to new and beginning farmers. And we can ensure that nutrition assistance programs are available for the Americans who need them.鈥�

The news was welcomed by other agriculture groups in the state and nation.

鈥淚t鈥檚 welcome news that Rep. Craig will be representing her caucus in negotiations as Congress works to pass disaster relief and a Farm Bill,鈥� MFU President Gary Wertish said in a statement. 鈥淩ep. Craig has a proven track record of bringing people together around bipartisan solutions. We鈥檙e glad that she will be joining Sen. Klobuchar as a leading voice in Farm Bill discussions.鈥�

鈥淲e stand ready to work with Rep. Craig to ensure passage of a new 5-year farm bill and to address other matters important to agriculture and rural America,鈥� American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a statement.

Jim Kanten of Minnesota Corn Growers Association said Craig is a 鈥済reat champion of Minnesota鈥檚 farm families and rural communities, advocating for policies that benefit growers and the agriculture industry.鈥�