After a lengthy wait to be sworn-in, Rep. John Duarte (R–Modesto) finally has his first committee assignments in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tuesday, Duarte, a nursery owner and farmer by trade, was named to two committees, the House Republican Conference announced. He will serve on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The big picture: Duarte was one of 12 new Republicans added to the Ag committee on Tuesday, and he will join Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R–Richvale) as the lone California Republicans on both committees.
- The Ag Committee will be chaired by Pennsylvania Republican Glenn Thompson.
- The Transportation Committee will be chaired by Sam Graves (R–Mo.)
- The House Democratic Caucus has yet to roll out its list of committee assignments.
What we’re watching: Duarte will have his hand in crafting a new Farm Bill, which Thompson said will pass through the House this year and be put in front of the Senate to update the latest bill passed in 2018.
- The T&I committee also has considerable implications for the Modesto Republican as its scope of work will include oversight of the Biden administration’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure law along with water resources legislation, including potential adjustments to The Water Resources Development Act in 2024.
