Pombo named vice chairman of ag committee

California Congressman Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, who has long been a champion of agricultural and property rights issues, has been named vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

The appointment is considered a win for California agriculture.

"Congressman Pombo's selection as vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee is great news," said California Farm Bureau Federation President Doug Mosebar. "He understands the many challenges and opportunities facing our nation's farmers and ranchers. His leadership and voice will be invaluable in the upcoming Farm Bill discussions, especially reflecting on California's diversity and position as the nation's leading agricultural producer. We look forward to working with him in his new role."

Case Van Steyn, president of Western United Dairymen and a Sacramento County dairy producer, said Pombo's selection "ensures that California dairy will have a voice in the development of federal dairy policy. Congressman Pombo has always been a strong supporter of the dairy industry and we congratulate him on his appointment."

As vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Pombo will have a powerful role in shaping the policies that ensure a safe, abundant and affordable food supply. The committee will address a wide number of issues including bioterrorism and homeland security, conservation, nutrition, forest management, international trade and rural development.

Washington insiders said Pombo's selection was something of a surprise because he holds the chairmanship of the House Resources Committee. He was able to secure the post by winning majority support from the Republican steering committee made up of GOP leaders and regional representatives.

Pombo is taking over from outgoing vice chairman John Boehner of Ohio, who was recently named House majority leader.

Commenting on his appointment, Pombo stressed his experience dealing with commodity issues, willingness to reach across party lines to find common-sense solutions and unparalleled record of visiting congressional districts throughout the country to learn more about local resource issues.

"As vice chairman I will continue to work on solutions so American family farmers have the tools they need to produce domestically and around the world," Pombo said. "Specifically, I'll continue to work for opening both domestic and export markets for our agriculture products as well as push for increased investment in the rural community for the competitive edge. I will work hard to make sure market expansion and technological development continues to be a top priority of Congress."

A fourth-generation rancher and a member of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, Pombo is a long-time supporter of farm interests. He is known for protecting the rights of Western landowners and urging sound science when faced with issues of the environment.

The congressman was elected in January 2005 to his seventh term. The 11th Congressional District Pombo represents includes San Joaquin, Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties.

Pombo has achieved many accomplishments as a congressman. In addition to his position as vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, he also serves as chairman of the House Resources Committee. He is on leave from the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee because of his chairmanship, but remains involved in transportation solutions.

Pombo is the co-founder of the San Joaquin County Citizen's Land Alliance. The alliance is a coalition of farmers and other property owners who advocate private property rights and fight attempts by government to strip these rights away from citizens.

He is also a member and former chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, an organization of 55 members of Congress who work to form one voice on issues such as Endangered Species Act reform, water rights, private property rights and other issues affecting congressional districts in the West.

The Farm Bureaus of San Joaquin, Alameda, Contra Costa and Sacramento counties, as well as the California Farm Bureau, recently presented Pombo with the "Friend of the Farm Bureau" award. The award is based on the member's voting record on issues that are critical to the farm community.

Pombo is active in a variety of business interests, including dairy, farming, trucking and beef cattle operations. He was born in Tracy in 1961 and served as a city councilman in Tracy from 1990 to 1992. He attended California State University at Pomona. Richard and Annette Pombo have been married since 1983 and have three children, Richie, Rena and Rachel.

(Christine Souza is a reporter for Ag Alert. She may be contacted at csouza@cfbf.com.)