WASHINGTON — Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., 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 and successfully leading bills that have strengthened the safety net for Minnesota farmers and ranchers, invested in conservation programs, and supported homegrown energy. 

“When I first came to the Senate, my number-one request was to be on the Agriculture Committee. I wanted to work on behalf of Minnesota’s farmers, make sure Americans could feed their families, and boost our rural economy,” Klobuchar said in a press release from her office. ” 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.”

Klobuchar won her fourth term in the U.S. Senate this year. With the retirement of current Agriculture Committee chairwoman Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, Klobuchar was expected to take over the top spot on the committee.

Boozman of Arkansas will chair the committee for Republicans.

Lawmakers are advancing a proposal to extend the current farm bill through March, with an additional $10 billion in aid for farmers and ranchers.

Klobuchar visited southwest Minnesota back in October, including the Congressiona District 7 DFL gathering.