Vasquez named to Forestry and Livestock, Dairy and Poultry subcommittees

The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee announced earlier this month that U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., will serve on the Livestock, Dairy and Poultry and the Forestry subcommittees, Vasquez’s office said in a news release.

“These two subcommittees are incredibly important to New Mexico, as they are both critical to our economy, our agricultural heritage, our farmers, and our farm workers,” said Vasquez. “I strongly believe we have a role to protect our planet for our kids and their kids – to have access to clean water, healthy air, and making sure we employ sustainable agricultural practices to feed our families. We can implement smart solutions to tackle climate action, which impacts New Mexico with record drought, wildfires, and air quality. We can accomplish our climate goals while growing our economy.”

As a member of the Forestry Subcommittee, Vasquez’s work “will be vital to supporting the U.S. Forest Service and working with the district’s national forests based on more than 150 units across the nation,” the news release said. “Serving on this committee will be an opportunity to uplift New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy as it directly supports $1.2 billion in income and 33,500 jobs.”

As a member of the Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Subcommittee, Vasquez’s office said he will work on policy and New Mexico’s dairy and beef industries – “two of the largest commodities in the state. The New Mexico dairy industry alone accounted for $1.3 billion in milk sales in 2020. Vasquez looks forward to working alongside the district’s ranchers and farmers.”

Vasquez, from Las Cruces, was elected to the U.S. House in November. He is a former member of the Las Cruces City Council and former Las Cruces Bulletin business editor.

Visit vasquez.house.gov/.