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National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Government Affairs Meeting November 12-14, 2018 • Santa Fe, NM

www.ncfc.org

Government Affairs Committee La Fonda on the Plaza Santa Fe, New Mexico November 12-14, 2018

AGENDA

November 12th

All Day Arrival and Check-in

6:00 pm Reception & Dinner La Terraza Room La Fonda on the Plaza 100 E San Francisco St (505) 982-5511

November 13th

8:00 am Breakfast (Santa Fe Room)

8:30 am Welcome & Introductions (New Mexico Room) • Chairman's Welcome & Meeting Overview • Self-Introductions • Approval of the Minutes

8:35 am Political Assessment – What just happened?

Speaker: David Wasserman House Editor Cook Political Report

9:30 am Political Assessment – An Agriculture Perspective

Speaker: Chris Clayton Ag Policy Editor DTN/The Progressive Farmer

10:15 am Break

10:30 am State of the Economy & Pressures on Agriculture

Speaker: Brian Cavey Senior Vice President, Government Affairs CoBank

Representing the Business Interests of Agriculture

11:00 am Policy Implications of a Changing Agricultural Landscape

Speaker: Scott Caine Chief Operating Officer Aimpoint Research

12:00 pm Lunch (Santa Fe Room)

1:00 pm Trade Outlook – Roundtable Discussion

2:00 pm Legal, Tax & Accounting Update • Tax Reform Implementation • Tax Reform 2.0 • FDII – A New Opportunity for Co-ops?

2:30 pm Wage Inflation and Worker Scarcity

Speaker: Ben Laine Knowledge Exchange Division CoBank

3:15 pm Break

3:30 pm Regulating Emerging Technologies: Cultured Meats?!

Speaker: Danielle Beck Director of Governmental Affairs National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

4:00 pm Policy Round-up – Status of Key Issues • Farm Bill • Environmental Regulations • Biotech Labeling Regulation • Product Labeling • Immigration Reform • Pension Relief

5:00 pm Adjourn

6:00 pm Transportation to Dinner Departs Hotel

6:30 pm Reception & Dinner Gabriel’s Restaurant 4 Banana Lane (505) 455-7000

November 14th

8:00 am Breakfast (Santa Fe Room)

8:30 am NCFC CO-OP/PAC Report (New Mexico Room) • 2018 Cycle Overview • Improving our Reach • Annual Meeting Preparation

9:00 am Strategic Assessment of Committee Structure & Elections • Committee and Subcommittee Elections • Subcommittee Organization & Participation • Addressing Your Priority Issues • Future Meeting Topics

10:00 am BREAK

10:30 am Review & Update NCFC Priorities & Policy Resolutions

11:30 am Other Business

11:45 am Adjourn

12:00 pm Lunch Provided La Plazuela Restaurant La Fonda On the Plaza

June 2018 Meeting Minutes NCFC Government Affairs Committee Meeting Washington, D.C. June 25, 2018

Minutes

CALL TO ORDER Committee Chairman, Chuck Spencer, called the meeting to order, giving an overview of the meeting and supporting materials.

BUSINESS MEETING The Committee proceeded with its business meeting.

• APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – A motion to approve the February 2018 meeting minutes was made by Rich Hudgins, President & CEO, California Canning Peach Association. The motion was seconded by Wally Knock, Board Director, Agtegra Cooperative.

• BYLAWS CHANGE – Marlis Carson reported that in order to promote increased communication and membership participation, a change to NCFC’s bylaws regarding the Individual Membership category has been proposed. The Executive Council reviewed this change and recommended it for the Council’s consideration of the change.

The proposed change would expand the Individual Membership category to include consultants such as attorneys and government relations professionals who work for NCFC members and participate in NCFC’s LTA and Government Affairs Committees. Individual Members receive NCFC publications, reduced conference rates, annual recognition at NCFC meetings, and eligibility for NCFC CO-OP/PAC’s restricted class.

Individual Members do not have a vote on the Council and the NCFC President & CEO is authorized to approve or reject applications for individual membership. The change was to be discussed in the next Executive Council Meeting.

• NCFC CO-OP/PAC REPORT – Kelsey Billings reported that NCFC CO-OP/PAC began the year with a balance of $74,445.00. As of June 15, 2018, contributions to the PAC totaled $102,110.00. Individual PAC contributions accounted for $43,500.00 and member PAC contributions accounted for $58,610.00 of the total. The annual goal for the PAC for 2018 is $233,500.00. As of June 15, 2018, the PAC reached 70 percent of its goal.

Mrs. Billings announced that the multiple fundraisers will be held during the conference, including a coffee with Senator John Boozman of Arkansas; a reception with Representative Kurt Schrader of Oregon; and a breakfast with Representative Jim Costa.

Finally, Mrs. Billings reported that as of June 15, 2018, the PAC supported 28 members of Congress for a total of $45,500.00 in contributions to candidates. As of June 30, 2018, the PAC had an ending balance of $142,795.76.

• LEGAL, TAX & ACCOUNTING UPDATE – Marlis Carson gave an update on Legal, Tax & Accounting matters. She first discussed the antitrust case involving egg producers, taking place in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

After nine years of litigation and a trial that consumed most of the month of May, a jury found that egg producers Rose Acre Farms, Ohio Fresh Eggs, and Sauder, Inc. did not engage in unlawful market restraints and did not violate the Sherman Act.

The case arose out of allegations in over a dozen separate lawsuits asserting that sixteen egg farmers and their cooperative, United Egg Producers, engaged in a conspiracy to raise the price of shell eggs and egg products by reducing egg supply. Over the years at least eight egg producers and their cooperative settled with the direct purchaser plaintiff class for approximately $150 million. With $3 billion in damages at stake, the three national egg producers achieved a significant victory.

Jurors found that Rose Acre Farms was part of a conspiracy involving United Egg Producers to reduce the supply of eggs. However, the conspiracy did not impose an unreasonable restraint on supply, so the producers did not incur any antitrust liability. It is likely that the plaintiffs will appeal the ruling. If that happens, the egg producers could cross-appeal and raise an earlier, problematic ruling by the judge, in which the judge said land ownership is a requirement for qualifying for Capper-Volstead protections. NCFC believes that ruling is wrong, as Capper-Volstead does not impose any land ownership requirements on producers.

Ms. Carson also discussed the cyclical interest that lawmakers, regulators, and the American Bar Association take in the Capper-Volstead Act every five to ten years. The Department of Justice held a series of roundtables on regulations and antitrust law this spring. The first roundtable focused on antitrust immunities and exemptions. American Bar Association (ABA) representatives participated and submitted a statement consistent with the ABA’s traditional views on antitrust immunities and exemptions. The ABA asserted that the Capper-Volstead Act is flawed and needs to be reformed.

At a separate roundtable, Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim said the milk pricing system is the type of market distortion and anticompetitive activity that should be reviewed by the Antitrust Division. And a participant from the Cato Institute commented on sugar policy, labeling it as an anticompetitive intervention in the market. The Cato Institute recommended that DOJ target this sort of policy.

Ms. Carson also reported that in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., in which the Supreme Court held that a state can tax internet sales even though the seller does not have a physical presence in the state.

Next, Ms. Carson gave a short update on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, particularly on issues associated with Section 199A. The IRS has reported that they are working diligently to provide regulations as soon as possible. The Department of Treasury has stated that they are considering regulations from the old Section 199, which hopefully will make the transition easier for all involved.

Finally, Ms. Carson recommended for everyone to go to the IRS website and complete the IRS “paycheck check-up” to make sure that everyone’s taxes are correct after passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The Committee was joined by a number of guest speakers on hot topic issues, including the following:

• The Administration’s Outlook for Agriculture; with guest speaker Mr. Gregg Doud, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Ambassador Doud described the current state of trade relations with regard to recent actions the administration has taken by imposing tariffs. Trading partners currently are retaliating, or threatening to retaliate, by imposing tariffs on $29 billion of U.S. agricultural exports due to the U.S. imposition of Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs. He explained that this policy has been developed by the President himself. While his office is working to advocate within the administration for the agriculture community since they are taking the brunt of the retaliation, it doesn’t appear there will be quick resolution to withdraw the retaliation given the priority that the president has put on imposing tariffs.

Ambassador Doud further explained the other Section 301 tariffs being put into place against China due to their unfair trading practices with respect to intellectual property and forced technology transfer policies. China’s retaliation by imposing tariffs targeting the U.S. agricultural community is an attempt to get the president’s supporters from the agriculture community to oppose his trade policy and weaken his negotiating stance. However, Ambassador Doud stressed that the president was adamant about using tariffs as a tool to change China’s behavior and that, again, no one should think this will be resolved in the near term.

He also noted that the administration intends to be more offensive in opening markets for U.S. agriculture, as well as encouraged that the NAFTA renegotiation would be concluded in the near future.

• Labor & Immigration – Lots of activity; any action?; with guest panelist Ms. Kristi Boswell, Senior Advisor to the Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture; Mr. Charlie Garrison, President of the Garrison Group LLC., a Federal Affairs Lobbyist for Western United Dairymen, and former Director of Industry Relations at Dairy Management Inc.; and moderated by Mary Nowak, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

The Committee heard first from Ms. Kristi Boswell, Senior Advisor to the Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture. Mary Nowak with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives served as the moderator.

Ms. Boswell began by explaining Secretary Perdue’s focus at USDA – to be one unified agency, and to make customer service the top priority. The USDA is also focusing on three distinct issues: trade, regulation reform, and labor. The Secretary’s goal is to have USDA be a more adequate player in each of these conversations.

Ms. Boswell explained that in labor and immigration discussions, agriculture often falls in the crosshairs. USDA wants to be an advocate to ensure farmers across the country have the workforce they need and are committed to labor reform. Specifically, USDA is working closely with Secretary Acosta at the Department of Labor to bring change to current H-2A policy. While the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security oversee most of H-2A reform and are undergoing notice and comment rulemaking, USDA has been able to provide technical assistance wherever necessary as it relates to agriculture.

Ms. Boswell stated that the USDA would like to expand access of H2A to enable more types of agriculture to qualify, such as those with year-round labor needs, however USDA does not have statutory authority. Therefore, USDA is perusing legislative measures and providing as much technical assistance to Congress as possible.

Further, IT modernization is an important change needing to be made. USDA recognized that a significant amount of overlap exists among the agencies. After completing a “discovery sprint” in which USDA officials talked with farmers, analysts, other agency officials, and state governments across the country, USDA has completed a full report on the status of IT modernization and is working on development of what steps to take next.

Finally, Ms. Boswell assured Committee members that they have never had a stronger ally than Secretary Perdue. The Secretary is working hard to avoid touchback provisions and advocate for farms that need year-round help. The Secretary is also a proponent of the Buy American Executive Order and wants to advocate for U.S. agriculture in every way possible.

Ms. Nowak then introduced Mr. Charlie Garrison, President of the Garrison Group LLC., a Federal Affairs Lobbyist for Western United Dairymen, and former Director of Industry Relations at Dairy Management Inc.

Ms. Nowak provided some background on the legislative conversation regarding immigration and labor reform. House Leadership scheduled two immigration bills to be voted on, the Securing America’s Future Act, sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act. The Goodlatte sponsored bill did include an agriculture provision, however failed to pass in the House. Ms. Nowak explained that Chairman Goodlatte is pushing for agriculture to be included in any legislation that gets passed. However, the Goodlatte sponsored bill included caps on how many visas would be permitted in a year, which is a major concern to the agriculture community.

Mr. Garrison gave a short update on the current status legislation moving in the House. He explained it is clear that House Leadership is looking for agriculture to go with a DACA fix. For example, Representative Denham is proposing a generous DACA fix along with agriculture provisions. Mr. Garrison feels that agriculture has a lot of cards to play in the conversation but must be strategic about how to use them. For example, he stated that agriculture must be included if mandatory e- verify provisions are included in order to be a workable bill that has a chance of passing.

• Outlook for the Farm Bill; with guest speaker Ms. Helena Bottemiller Evich, Senior Food and Agriculture Reporter, POLITICO Pro; and moderated by Justin Darisse, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

Ms. Bottemiller Evich provided her insight as to the current state of the farm bill in the Senate. She explained that many fear that the Senate will fail in passing a bill, but all in the agriculture community sincerely want to a bill to be passed. She stated that at this time, it is unclear how the process will work and what steps will be taken next.

Ms. Bottemiller Evich explained that in the past, the farm bill has failed for a variety of reasons. It is difficult to get bipartisan support for the entire bill, which puts strain on an urban-rural coalition.

She further described this farm bill as more of a status quo farm bill, as we are entering into four or five years of down prices and increased apprehension about trade. This raises questions as to if significant overhaul is needed, however she does not believe there will ever be a bigger baseline and spending will continue to be tightened.

Ms. Bottemiller Evich also discussed the politics of full government reorganization, for example moving SNAP to HHS, and decreasing USDA’s scope as a department. However, Ms. Bottemiller Evich felt this was an unlikely scenario as HHS is already an immense agency. She explained that if SNAP were removed from the Agriculture Committee’s jurisdiction, agriculture issues would become isolated with very narrow support from congressional members representing urban districts.

Finally, Ms. Bottemiller Evich discussed the role of the media in agriculture. She explained that she felt cable television to be “less substantive” covering little on issues such as the farm bill and opioid issues in rural communities. She stated that most D.C. reporters are disconnected, and it is important to specialize. With the farm bill being so large in scope, many news sources overlook it and believe it is not relevant. She concluded with advice to farmers—suggesting that they reach out and talk to their reporters. She explained it is important for reporters to build relationships with farmers, so they understand the issues better to report on and to slow the growth of the urban-rural divide.

• 2018 Election Analysis – Is it a wave or a ripple?; with guest speaker Mr. Stu Rothenberg, Senior Editor, Inside Elections, Political Analyst/Contributor, Roll Call

Mr. Rothenberg began by sharing multiple statistics with the Committee, such as the current employment rate at 3.8 percent and declining; GDP is growing and up to 3%; wages, business, and the Dow Jones are all up; and most people are generally satisfied or optimistic about the state of the economy. However, the President’s approval ratings are lower. He explained that these midterm elections will be very interesting, but believes that success in this election, as all do, will depend on turnout.

Mr. Rothenberg explained that business felt that Obama policies were hostile towards them, and President Trump was elected to be completely untraditional. Many voters viewed this as the only way to break away from continued political disappointments. Historically, midterm elections are very tough on the President’s party and many polls have the Democrats prevailing in the midterms. While the President still has a significant amount of support, a large group opposes him—either ideologically, or for problems with his personal behavior, or both. This election, Republicans will likely focus on the economic growth, while Democrats will target the President personally.

Mr. Rothenberg believes voters to be separated into silos, which will determine how they will vote. He stated that the President’s supporters have been Evangelicals, older, white males who live in a rural area, and do not have a college degree. This midterm election, the key group of swing voters will be white, suburban women who have a college education. He believes that gun and immigration issues will be top priorities for this demographic. However, the most important factor in any election is voter turnout. He stated that there is a 75 percent chance that the House will flip, however the Senate could be different because the class of Senators up for reelection are overwhelmingly Democrat.

• Priorities and Activities at USDA-MRP; with guest speaker Mr. Greg Ibach, Under Secretary, Marketing & Regulatory Programs, United States Department of Agriculture

Under Secretary Ibach first discussed his role with AMS, and specifically talked about the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. AMS has released a proposed rule which provides options to commenters in order to try to gain the best approach possible. Mr. Ibach encouraged all to submit comments before the July 3 deadline.

Mr. Ibach briefly mentioned the farm bill, and that USDA provided as much technical assistance for implementation to lawmakers as possible.

He also discussed issues associated with animal health, particularly problems related to vaccines and diseases. USDA is working with states to prevent, control, contain, and eradicate diseases. He explained the importance of having labs that can conduct local diagnostic tests yet are difficult to maintain because most labs are in land grant universities. He also mentioned that USDA is working to understand how a vaccine bank could be implemented.

Mr. Ibach explained Secretary Perdue’s top priority for USDA is regulation reform. Farmers and the agriculture community need relief from burdensome regulations, and USDA is working towards lessening that burden. Secretary Perdue has also brought to his staff’s attention his desire to achieve economic activity in rural America, improve overall rural life, and harness technological advancements and information.

In his APHIS role, Mr. Ibach works extensively on biotech issues, particularly gene editing. He explained that the technology of gene editing can be very beneficial for a variety of reasons, including being used for improvement of animal welfare. USDA wishes to push these technologies forward through positive marketing to a skeptical consumer population. Secretary Perdue has said that gene editing is an efficient form of natural breeding, and excessive regulations are unnecessary. Ideally, regulations of gene editing can be harmonized with international standards and more of the science can be shared with third world countries.

Mr. Ibach addressed several concerns on a number of issues. He first discussed the GMO wheat issue in Canada. He explained that it is well resolved that GMOs are not a danger to health, and at USDA they are more concerned with process and transparency, therefore an investigation is ongoing. Mr. Ibach also explained that USDA is perusing an aggressive timeline on the new biotech labeling rule and hope to begin the environmental impact statement soon. He also pointed out the USDA hopes to do a better job marketing gene editing than GMOs to avoid growing skepticism.

• Implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard; moderated by Kelsey Billings, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

Mrs. Billings discussed NCFC’s role as co-chair of the Coalition for Safe, Affordable Food and the market-oriented solution created to propose to USDA-AMS through public comment.

The Coalition includes several groups along the agriculture supply chain – from trade associations representing growers to manufacturers. The Coalition’s focus was to ensure continued access to the technology, provide consumers meaningful information about the food they eat, and establish a marketing standard – not a health or nutrition standard. The rule should be flexible, legally defensible, responsive to consumer demands, supportive of innovation, and consistent with our international trade obligations.

Several key issues the Coalition considered were preemption; the definition of “bioengineering”; incidental additives/enzyme processing aids; animals fed with bioengineered feed; organic consistency; and disclosure options. After the rule goes into effect, the compliance date should be two years later, and then producers should be granted an additional two years to exhaust inventory of labels.

The Coalition did not agree on a few other issues, however came together to establish a workable, market-oriented alternative approach to disclosure. Rather than two separate disclosure lists, the Coalition is proposing to have one single BE crop list, with a Factors & Conditions section of the rule that will contain exempted ingredients derived from those crops but do not contain bioengineered DNA. The Coalition is also recommending a dual disclosure threshold – 5% unintentional presence to allow flexibility for grain handlers, and 0.9% intentional presence to give manufacturers flexibility to label at a de minimis level. Finally, the Coalition proposes that the rule should have a rigorous voluntary option for manufacturers and producers to label above and beyond the rule’s requirements.

• Legislative Solution to Provide Accurate Product Labels; with guest speaker Ms. Karyn Schmidt, Senior Director, Regulatory & Technical Affairs, American Chemistry Council

Ms. Schmidt began by discussing Proposition 65 and issues associated with accurate product labeling. The Proposition has been shown to have gone too far, and even violated First Amendment rights in terms of compelled speech. This Proposition has labeled everyday items as carcinogenic, even coffee. Further, in California, courts have been filled with bounty-hunter type cases of aggressive plaintiffs going after any and all products, accusing them of being carcinogenic or otherwise dangerous and needing a label.

Ms. Schmidt explained that despite this enormous problem, a solution can be found through legislation. There is no risk basis for Proposition 65 labeling, which is entirely inappropriate. The new Accurate Labels Act will ideally reduce the impact of Proposition 65. The Bill suggests mandated speech must be clear, accurate, and not deceptive. Further, warnings may be set for naturally occurring exceptions, however they must be based upon science. The labels should be practical—for example through electronic disclosure. The Bill also syncs up well with the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, to make labeling cohesive.

• Train the Trainer – Keys to a Successful Fly-in; with guest speaker Mr. Paul Miller, PPC, LCP, Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies

Mr. Miller discussed strategies to be an effective advocate on the Hill, no matter what the issue. He pointed out a few of the most important components of lobbying, including advocacy, relationship building, and branding. He also emphasized that meetings with staff are sometimes the best option. Despite young ages, many staffers have a significant amount of influence in Congressional offices.

In terms of planning a fly-in, he suggested that groups be strategic with timing, send thank you notes, follow-up by phone or email, and have a plan for the meeting and message. It is also important to keep information easy to understand and avoid super-technical topics to keep everyone engaged. Finally, he suggested that attendees be flexible, stay on message, keep politics out of the conversation, and leave behind helpful information.

FUTURE MEETINGS AND OTHER BUSINESS

The next NCFC Government Affairs Meeting will take place on November 12-14 in Santa Fe, NM. The 2019 Annual Meeting will be held on February 13-15 in Phoenix, AZ.

ADJOURN Mr. Spencer adjourned the meeting.

Mid-Term Election Analysis Congressional Farmer Cooperative Caucus

NCFC Position: Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Co-Chair Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Co-Chair Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), Co-Chair Senator John Thune (R-SD), Co-Chair House (44 35): Senate (15 13): Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA) Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS) Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) Senator Michael Crapo (R-ID) Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY) Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN) Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-At Large ND) Rep. Gregorio Sablan (D-MP) Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) Rep. Michael Simpson (R-ID) Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) Senator Michael Rounds (R-SD) Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH) Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) Senator John Thune (R-SD) Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS) Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) Rep. David Young (R-IA) Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF FARMER COOPERATIVES 50 F Street NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20001 | (202) 626-8700 www.ncfc.org | facebook: www.facebook.com/FarmerCoop | twitter: @FarmerCoop Congressional Farmer Cooperative Caucus

I. Purpose: Provide a forum for Members of Congress interested in working together in support of public policy and programs to protect and enhance the ability of farmers to join together to form cooperative associations to improve their income from the marketplace, manage risk, and strengthen their bargaining power, allowing individual producers to better compete globally.

II. Goals: Promote greater awareness and understanding of farmer cooperatives and their importance as a proven tool to help individual family farmers and ranchers through the ups and downs of weather, commodity markets, and technological change and provide timely analysis and other information on economic and market trends, including existing and proposed laws and regulations impacting farmer cooperatives and the ability of farmer to form cooperative associations.

III. Membership: Bicameral and bipartisan.

IV. Officers: Co-Chair: Senator Amy Klobuchar Co-Chair: Senator John Thune Co-Chair: Representative Sam Graves Co-Chair: Representative Jim Costa

V. Designated Employee(s): Anne Knapke (Office of Senator Klobuchar) (202) 224-3244 Lynn Tjeerdsma and Ty Littau (Office of Senator Thune) (202) 224-2321 Nick Christensen (Office of Representative Graves) (202) 225-7041 Ben Goldeen (Office of Representative Costa) (202) 225-3341

November 8, 2018 Data compiled 9am; Election results may have changed slightly

National Journal Presentation Center Roadmap

Control of Congress Gubernatorial results • Historical data • Map of results • Recent control • Map of control of governorships • Changes between 115th & 116th Congress • Map of control of state legislatures • Governorships + state legislatures

Senate results Key ballot initiatives • Results map • Medicaid expansion • Makeup of 116th Senate map • Marijuana legalization • Map of seats won/lost • Automatic and same-day voter • Potential committee chairs registration • Voter ID • Felon voting rights House results • Redistricting independent commissions • House election results map • Makeup of 116th House map • Map of seats won/lost • Potential committee chairs

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Control of Congress over time: House of Representatives

Partisan makeup of the US House over time 1981-2019; COMPOSITION AT BEGINNING OF TERM ■ Republicans ■ Democrats ■ Not yet called

243 269 254 258 260 267 258 204 207 211 213 205 201 233 257 193 201 188 194 223

192 166 181 177 175 167 176 230 226 223 220 229 233 202 178 242 234 247 241 197

81 83 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 13 15 17 19

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Control of Congress over time: Senate

Partisan makeup of the US Senate over time 1981-2019; COMPOSITION AT BEGINNING OF TERM *Independents Sanders and King, who caucus with the ■ Republicans ■ Democrats ■ Not yet called Democrats, have been included in the Democratic tally

47 45 47 55 55 56 57 48 45 45 50 49 45 51 59 53 55 46 49 46

53 55 53 45 45 44 43 52 55 55 50 51 55 49 41 47 45 54 51 51

81 83 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 13 15 17 19

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Republicans enlarged their Senate majority, but lost the House for the first time since the 2010 midterms

Control of Congress and the White House by party 2009-2019; COMPOSITION ON JANUARY 20 OF EACH YEAR *Independents Sanders and King, who caucus with the ■ Republican control ■ Democratic control Democrats, have been included in the Democratic tally *House and Senate margin as of 9am 11/8/18

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

House D+77 D+78 R+49 R+50 R+33 R+33 R+59 R+59 R+47 R+45 D+26*

Senate* D+16 D+20 D+6 D+6 D+10 D+10 R+8 R+8 R+4 R+2 R+5*

White Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Trump Trump Trump House

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Composition of the 116th Congress: House

Partisan makeup of the House compared to the previous Congress 115th 116th Republican 235 197 Seats flipped R to D (Total: 31) Seats flipped D to R (Total: 3) Democrat 193 223 Not yet called (color outline is incumbent’s party) Not yet called 7 15 (vacant)

218 votes needed to pass

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Composition of the 116th Congress: Senate

Partisan makeup of the Senate compared to the previous Congress 115th 116th Republican 51 51 Seats flipped R to D (Total: 1) Seats flipped D to R (Total: 3) Democrat 49 46 Not yet called (color outline is incumbent’s party) Not yet called 0 3 50 votes for majority *Independents Sanders and King, who caucus with the Democrats, have been included in the Democratic tally

60 votes for supermajority

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Roadmap

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Republicans have expanded their Senate majority

2018 U.S. Senate election results map ■ Republican won (9) ■ Democrat won (23) ■ Election not yet called (3) *Sen. King (I-ME) and Sen. Sanders (I-VT) caucus with the Democrats In MN, both Democratic candidates won In MS, Wicker (R) won reelection and Hyde-Smith (R) is going to a runoff

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Democrats lost at least three close elections, but flipped Nevada and forced a runoff in Mississippi

Change of seats in the US Senate after the 2018 midterms ■ Democratic gain (1) ■ Democratic hold (22) ■ Republican gain (3) ■ Republican hold (6) ■ Election not yet called (3) *Sen. King (I-ME) and Sen. Sanders (I-VT) caucus with the Democrats In MN, both Democratic candidates won In MS, Wicker (R) won reelection and Hyde-Smith (R) is going to a runoff

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 The Republican Party maintains its majority in the Senate

Composition of the 116th Senate map ■ 2 Democrats (19) ■ 2 Republicans (20) ■ 1 Democrat + 1 Republican (8) ■ Election not yet called (3)

*Sen. King (I-ME) and Sen. Sanders (I-VT) caucus with the Democrats In MN, both Democratic candidates won In MS, Wicker (R) won reelection and Hyde- Smith (R) is going to a runoff

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Potential Senate committee chairs based on seniority (1/2)

Committee Ranking Member Chair

Aging Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) Susan Collins (R-ME)

Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Pat Roberts (R-KS)

Appropriations Patrick Leahy (D-VT) Richard Shelby (R-AL)

Armed Services Jack Reed (D-RI) Jim Inhofe (R-OK)

Banking, Housing, & Urban Mike Crapo (R-ID)/ Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Development Pat Toomey (R-PA)

Budget Bernie Sanders (I-VT) Mike Enzi (R-WY)

Commerce, Science, & Bill Nelson (D-FL – Not called) John Thune (R-SD) Transportation (Maria Cantwell (D-WA) if loss) Maria Cantwell (D-WA)/ Energy & Natural Resources Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Ron Wyden (D-OR)

Environment & Public Works Tom Carper (D-DE) John Barrasso (R-WY)

Ethics Christopher Coons (D-DE) Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Potential Senate committee chairs based on seniority (2/2)

Committee Ranking Member Chair

Chuck Grassley (R-IA)/ Finance Ron Wyden (D-OR) Mike Crapo (R-ID) Jim Risch (R-ID)/ Foreign Relations Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Marco Rubio (R-FL) Health, Education, Labor, & Patty Murray (D-WA) Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Pensions Homeland Security & Government Tom Carper (D-DE) Ron Johnson (R-WI) Affairs

Indian Affairs Tom Udall (D-NM) John Hoeven (R-ND)

Intelligence Mark Warner (D-VA) Richard Burr (R-NC)

Chuck Grassley (R-IA)/ Judiciary Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) Lindsay Graham (R-SC)

Rules & Administration Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Roy Blunt (R-MO)

Jim Risch (R-ID)/ Small Business & Entrepreneurship Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Veterans’ Affairs Jon Tester (D-MT) Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Roadmap

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Democrats win the House with about a 30 seat majority

2018 U.S. House election results map ■ Republican won ■ Democrat won ■ Election not yet called

Republican 197

Democrat 223

Independent 0

Not yet called 15

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Democrats gained around 30 seats; Republicans flipped three seats

Change of seats in the US House after the 2018 midterms ■ Democratic gain (31) ■ Democratic hold (192) ■ Republican gain (3) ■ Republican hold (194) ■ Election not yet called (15)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Potential House committee chairs based on seniority (1/2)

Committee Chair Ranking Member

Administration Zoe Lofgren (D-NY) Rodney Davis (R-IL)

Agriculture Collin Peterson (D-MN) Mike Conaway (R-TX)

Appropriations Nita Lowey (D-NY) Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

Armed Services Adam Smith (D-WA) Mac Thornberry (R-TX)

Budget John Yarmuth (D-KY) Steve Womack (R-AR)

Education and the Workforce Bobby Scott (D-VA) Virginia Foxx (R-NC)

Energy and Commerce Frank Pallone (D-NJ) Greg Walden (R-OR)

Ethics Ted Deutch (D-FL) Susan Brooks (R-IN)

Financial Services Maxine Waters (D-CA) Peter King (R-NY)

Foreign Affairs Eliot Engel (D-NY) Chris Smith (R-NJ)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Potential House committee chairs based on seniority (2/2)

Committee Chair Ranking Member

Homeland Security Bennie Thompson (D-MS) Mike Rogers (R-AL)

Intelligence Adam Schiff (D-CA) Devin Nunes (R-CA)

Steve Chabot (R-OH)/ Judiciary Jerry Nadler (D-NY) Doug Collins (R-GA)

Natural Resources Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) Rob Bishop (R-UT)

Oversight & Government Reform Elijah Cumming (D-MD) Jim Jordan (R-OH)

Rules Jim McGovern (D-MA) Tom Cole (R-OK)

Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA ) Science, Space & Technology Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) (If loss, Frank Lucas (OK-3) Steve Chabot (R-OH)/ Small Business Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) Steve King (R-IA)

Transportation & Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) Sam Graves (R-MO)

Veterans’ Affairs Mark Takano (D-CA) Phil Roe (R-TN)

Ways & Means Richard Neal (D-MA) Kevin Brady (R-TX)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Roadmap

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Democrats win 16 governor seats, Republicans win 19; Georgia still too close to call

2018 gubernatorial elections results map ■ Republican won (19) ■ Democrat won (16) ■ Election not yet called (1)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Democrats flipped seven governor seats, which will be important for redistricting after the 2020 census

Change of governor seats after the 2018 midterms ■ Democratic gain (7) ■ Democratic hold (9) ■ Republican gain (0) ■ Republican hold (19) ■ Election not yet called (1)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Republicans now control only half of US governorships

Control of governorships after the 2018 elections ■ Democratic governor (23) ■ Republican governor (26) ■ Election not yet called (1)

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Republicans control more state legislatures than Democrats

Control of state legislatures after the 2018 elections ■ Democratic-controlled ■ Republican-controlled ■ Split Legislature ■ Nonpartisan ■ Election not yet called

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 At least 13 states now have split party control over state government

Control of state government after the 2018 elections ■ Dem legislature, Dem governor ■ GOP legislature, GOP governor ■ Dem legislature, GOP governor ■ GOP legislature, Dem governor ■ Split legislature, Dem governor ■ Split legislature, GOP governor ■ Election not yet called

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Roadmap

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Idaho, Nebraska and Utah voted to expand Medicaid under the ACA; Montana did not vote to expand

Healthcare initiatives by state ■ Has expanded Medicaid ■ Has not expanded Medicaid

WA Ballot State Result ME Measure MT ND OR MN ID SD NY WI Medicaid WY MI ID expansion Pass IA PA NE NV OH UT IL IN WV CO Medicaid CA VA MA NE Pass KS MO KY expansion NC RI TN AZ Permanent OK CT NM AR SC extension of MT Medicaid Fail NJ MS AL GA expansion AK TX DE LA Medicaid MD expansion UT with funding Pass HI FL DC provision

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Missouri and Utah legalized medical marijuana; Michigan legalized recreational marijuana, but North Dakota voted it down

Marijuana ballot initiatives by state ■ Recreational and medical use ■ Medical use ■ No legality

WA Ballot State Result ME Measure MT ND OR MN

ID SD WI NY Recreational WY MI MI Pass IA PA NE NV OH UT IL IN WV CO CA VA MA ND Recreational Fail KS MO KY NC RI AZ TN OK CT NM AR SC MO Medical Pass MS AL GA NJ

AK TX LA DE

MD UT Medical Pass FL HI DC

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Nevada, Michigan and Maryland voted to implement same-day or automatic voter registration

Election policy initiatives by state ■ Automatic voter registration ■ Same-day registration ■ Both same-day and automatic registration

WA Ballot State Result ME Measure MT ND OR MN ID SD NY WI Automatic WY MI NV registration Pass IA PA NE NV OH UT IL IN Automatic WV CO registration CA VA MA MI Pass KS MO KY & same-day registration NC RI AZ TN Legislature OK CT NM AR SC permitted to MD enact Pass MS AL GA NJ same-day registration AK TX LA DE

MD HI FL DC

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 North Carolina and Arkansas chose to require photo-IDs to vote

Election policy initiatives by state ■ Strict voter ID required ■ Some other ID required

WA Ballot State Result ME Measure MT ND OR MN ID SD NY WI Photo-ID to WY MI NC vote Pass IA PA NE NV OH UT IL IN WV CO Photo-ID to CA VA MA AR Pass KS MO KY vote NC RI AZ TN OK CT NM AR SC

MS AL GA NJ

AK TX LA DE

MD HI FL DC

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Florida voted to automatically restore voting rights for felons

Election policy initiatives by state ■ Voting rights not automatically restored after all felony convictions ■ Never lose right to vote ■ Automatically regain rights upon finishing sentence/parole/probation

WA Ballot State Result ME Measure MT ND OR MN

ID SD WI NY Felon voting rights WY MI FL Pass restored IA PA NE NV OH UT IL IN WV CO CA VA MA KS MO KY NC RI AZ TN OK CT NM AR SC

MS AL GA NJ

AK TX LA DE

MD HI FL DC

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Colorado, Michigan and Missouri voted to create independent redistricting commissions

Redistricting initiatives by state ■ Independent redistricting for federal and state legislative districts ■ Independent redistricting for state legislative districts only ■ Not yet called

WA Ballot State Result ME Measure MT ND OR MN Commissions ID SD NY WI for both Not UT WY MI federal and called state level IA PA NE NV OH UT IL IN Commissions WV CO for both CA VA MA CO Pass KS MO KY federal and state level NC RI TN AZ Commissions OK CT NM AR SC for both MI federal and Pass NJ MS AL GA state level

AK TX LA DE Commission for MD MO state level Pass HI FL only DC

Slide updated on November 8, 2018 Trade Outlook

Legal, Tax & Accounting Update

LEGAL, TAX AND ACCOUNTING COMMITTEE REPORT

TO: NCFC Government Affairs Committee FROM: Marlis Carson DATE: November 13, 2018

Tax Developments

Implementing New Code Section 199A. Congress instructed IRS and Treasury to rely on “old” Section 199 when implementing new Section 199A. However, Treasury has stated that they plan to issue guidance on cooperative issues “later this year.” In anticipation of the guidance, NCFC representatives met with Treasury and IRS officials on October 11.

Discussion topics at the meeting included: how to define agricultural and horticultural cooperatives and products; the calculation of the cooperative-level deduction; how federated cooperatives work and how they implement the deduction; transition rules for moving from Section 199 to 199A; and the deduction adjustment taken at the farmer level.

NCFC provided legislative background on Section 199A and its application to cooperatives and asserted that new regulations are not necessary because Congress was clear that “old” 199 concepts should apply. The officials stated that they will issue regulations and have mentioned that guidance is coming in subsequent publications.

We will continue to communicate with Treasury and IRS and will provide comments once proposed regulations are published. The release of proposed regulations may be delayed until 2019 due to the volume of regulations Treasury is tasked with generating.

New Tax Deduction May Benefit Cooperatives. New Code Section 250 provides a tax deduction for foreign-derived intangible income (FDII). NCFC members licensing a brand name overseas may be eligible for the FDII deduction, which applies to income derived from selling, licensing, or leasing property for use outside the United States.

For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026, the deduction will reduce the effective tax rate on FDII to 13 percent. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, the effective tax rate on FDII will be 16.4 percent. The new

LTA Committee Report November 13, 2018 Page 2 of 3

provision in some ways resembles Section 199, but taxpayers do not need to manufacture the property in the U.S. in order to qualify.

There are complex rules for determining an entity’s FDII deduction, and proposed regulations have not yet been issued. A new LTA Committee Working Group is meeting and discussing whether and how NCFC members can utilize the new deduction. LTA members from AGP, CHS, Darigold, GROWMARK, Land O’ Lakes, Ocean Spray, Sunsweet, and Welch’s are participating in the working group.

Supreme Court Overturns Quill, Paving the Way for Internet Taxation by State and Local Authorities. The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned a prior ruling and concluded that state and local taxing authorities may tax retailers that do not have a physical presence in their jurisdiction. At issue in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., was whether South Dakota could require out-of-state retailers that lack a physical presence in the state to collect sales taxes on sales to customers in South Dakota. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court overruled its prior precedent in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, holding that the physical presence rule of Quill is unsound and incorrect.

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing this fall to examine the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s decision. Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) expressed concern, saying the “Court’s close and incomplete decision in Wayfair has the potential to unleash chaos for consumers and remote sellers, particularly small business sellers. There are over 10,000 sales tax jurisdictions, each with different rates, rules, exemptions, product definitions, thresholds for liability and the power to audit,” Chairman Goodlatte said. Witness testimony and other information is available here.

IRS Urges Taxpayers to Complete a “Checkup” to Avoid Tax Bill, Penalties. The IRS is urging taxpayers to use their withholding calculator to complete a “checkup” and determine whether their withholdings are correct. Because the state and local tax deduction has been capped at $10,000, some taxpayers may have under withheld for the 2018 tax year.

The IRS encourages everyone to check the withholding. However, checking withholding is more important for employees who: • Are a two-income family. • Have two or more jobs at the same time. • Work a seasonal job or only work part of the year. • Claim credits like the child tax credit. • Have dependents age 17 or older. • Itemized deductions on their 2017 returns. • Have high income or a complex tax return. • Had a large tax refund or tax bill for 2017.

LTA Committee Report November 13, 2018 Page 3 of 3

USDA Analyzes Impacts of Tax Reform. Using IRS data and farm-level data from USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey, USDA’s Economic Research Service has analyzed the impact the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could have on family farms. The report notes the changes to Section 199A, but does not discuss impacts to farmers who conduct business with a co-op. The full report is available here.

Antitrust Developments

Dairy Summit Explores Solutions for Low Prices. On August 13, more than three hundred dairy producers, dairy cooperative staff, legislative staff, and others gathered in Albany to discuss solutions for low dairy prices and the hardships faced by producers. Bob Wellington, Agri-Mark, Inc. Senior Vice President of Economics, Communications and Legislative Affairs moderated the meeting, which was an opportunity for dairy producers from the Northeast and other areas of the country to gather and discuss the issue and present proposals. Staff from several Congressional offices and members of the New York State Assembly attended.

The organizers asked NCFC to give a presentation on legal challenges to supply management programs used by commodities other than dairy. We also fielded questions on the antitrust protections available to cooperatives and their members under the Capper-Volstead Act.

Producers were encouraged to submit proposed solutions to the low-price situation. Proposals can be viewed here.

Wage Inflation & Worker Scarcity HELP WANTED:

Wage Inflation and Worker Scarcity U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches

AUGUST 2018

With insights from AMERICAN AGCREDIT • CACTUS FEEDERS • CASE FARMS • FRIONA INDUSTRIES PERI & SONS FARMS • STATEWIDE HARVESTING AND HAULING • SCHWARTZ FARMS • WOODCREST DAIRY

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 i ii © CoBank ACB, 2018 AUGUST 2018

HELP WANTED: A two-part report exploring some of the factors influencing today’s agricultural labor climate

Part of the rural labor shortage story is best told through statistics and trends. But to gain a more full picture of how labor challenges are affecting businesses, it is best to hear directly from those meeting the challenges head on.

Therefore, this report provides both. The first section highlights the current economic situation and how concerning trends will shape the reality of of tomorrow. The second section offers perspectives from interviews with several CoBank customers, revealing their greatest labor challenges and how they are adapting to remain successful.

Prepared by CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division

Part I: Wage Inflation and Worker Scarcity...... 1 Wages are higher and jobs are now more widely available than ever in several industries that compete for the same workers as the agricultural sector, forcing agribusinesses to find new ways to adapt.

By Ben Laine, Senior Economist, CoBank

Part II: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches...... 7 From North Carolina’s poultry processing plants to California’s strawberry farms, the Help Wanted sign is out. U.S. agribusinesses need workers – thousands of them.

By Donna Abernathy, for CoBank

About CoBank...... 22 PHOTO: COBANK

WAGES ARE HIGHER AND JOBS are now Key Points: more widely available than ever in several industries n In a tight U.S. labor market, agriculture is struggling that compete for the same workers as the agricultural disproportionately compared with other industries to sector. To keep up with sectors like construction, food compete for scarce labor. service, and manufacturing, agricultural wages are increasing at a faster rate than most other industries. n With the U.S. economy growing and manual laborers chasing higher wages that are offered in more Labor accounts for a significant share of overall wage-competitive industries like transportation, operational costs for many types of farms, particularly construction, hospitality and mining, employers in specialty crop and dairy operations. In 2016, labor agricultural industries are being forced to increase costs on all farms made up about 10 percent of gross wages at a faster rate to compete. income, while that share represented closer to 27 percent for specialty crops.1 (See Exhibit 1.) n The quickening pace of wage inflation in agriculture puts significant stress on profitability at a time of Hired workers on U.S. farms are primarily from depressed commodity prices. Mexico.2 A number of factors including demographic shifts, competing opportunities for agricultural labor n As the pool of migrant agricultural laborers from within Mexico, and increased border control are now Mexico continues to shrink due to ongoing economic, combining to tighten that labor supply and drive up demographic and policy shifts, agricultural employers costs. Higher costs associated with producing many in the U.S. face a future of further tightening in the of these labor-intensive commodities are forcing labor market. producers to find new ways to adapt, including n To adapt to a worsening labor climate, agricultural technology and automation. employers in the years ahead will increasingly be pressured to raise wages and worker benefits, seek out workers via the H-2A visa program, turn to other areas like Central America’s Northern Triangle or East Asia for workers, adopt new technologies in robotics and automation, or ultimately move operations abroad to regions where labor is more accessible. PHOTO: COBANK

Help Wanted: Wage Inflation and Worker Scarcity • August 2018 1 EXHIBIT 1: Labor Costs as a Percent of Gross Income Labor Costs as a Percent of Gross Income Percent 35 Demographics Farm labor makes up only about 1.5 percent of 30 the U.S. workforce. (See Exhibit 2.) The share is 25 much higher in Mexico (13 percent) and other Latin American countries which can reach above 30 percent. 20 Dairy Specialty Crops All Farms However, the share of farm labor in those countries is 15 dropping quickly as they modernize and populations 10 shift from scattered small rural family farms into urban centers with a stronger focus on education and 5 jobs in the service sector.3 0

U.S. agriculture is consolidating into larger-scale 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 200 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Source: USDAM - ERS, NASS efficient farms. This consolidation has been driven Source: USDA - ERS, NASS by two primary forces. First, rising production costs in the U.S. open opportunities for Mexico to produce commodities for export to the U.S. Second, modernization of Mexico’s own food supply chain into EXHIBIT 2: Share of Workforce in Agriculture larger grocers and retailers like Wal-Mart requires (Select Regions/Countries)

4 Share of Workforce in Agriculture (Select Regions/Countries) food to be sourced from larger farms. Percent 35 This consolidation in Mexico, similar to that which 30 was experienced in the U.S. in previous generations, has pushed the population out of rural areas and 25 into cities. Meanwhile, the rate of population growth 20 is beginning to slow. (See Exhibit 3.) With lower birthrates meaning fewer family members to support, 15 opportunities to work closer to home become more 10 appealing and searching for higher-paying farm work to support large families becomes less necessary. 5

As in the U.S., a decreasing share of the population 0 Guatemala Honduras East Asia MENA El Salvador Mexico EU US Canada in Mexico now comes from an agricultural Source: World Bank Source: World Bank background, and those who do are finding new opportunities for farm work in Mexico. Mexicans looking abroad for work in the U.S., meanwhile, are increasingly from urban areas and are more attracted to the higher paying job opportunities off the farm in urban areas.

2 © CoBank ACB, 2018 EXHIBIT 3: Fertility Rates in the U.S. and Mexico Fertility Rates in the U.S. and Mexico Births per Woman 8 Competition and Rising Wages 7 The unemployment rate in the U.S. has fallen 6 dramatically since the most recent recession. United States Mexico 5 Tightness in the labor market has broadly driven up wages, and increased job openings in industries 4 that compete with agriculture for labor are forcing 3 agricultural wages up even faster. (See Exhibit 4.)

2 Some of the industries that are competing 1 with agriculture for workers are construction, 0 transportation and warehousing, and hospitality. 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188 10 12 14 16 18 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 Transportation has been a particular challenge lately Source: The World Bank Source: The World Bank as an extreme need for truck drivers in the energy industry has been enticing drivers which could otherwise be hauling milk or grains. (See Exhibit 5.)

Wages have long been higher in these other industries EXHIBIT 4: Compound Annual Growth Rate in Wages, 2007-2017 when compared to most farm labor. The difference Compound Annual Growth Rate in Wages, 2007-2017 now is that these jobs are much more widely available, 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 and are more in line with the background of workers Fruit Tree Nuts

Vegetables Melons coming from Mexico. As a result, in order to compete

All Crops for and retain workers, employers in agricultural

All Agriculture industries are being forced to increase wages at a

Dairy faster rate. But, with labor being such a large share

Meat Processing of the cost for these industries, increasing wages put

Construction significant stress on profitability.

Leisure Hospitality

Manufacturing Immigration Controls Mining Approximately half of agricultural workers in the Transportation Warehousing U.S. are not legally authorized to work in the U.S.5 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages In an environment of tightening border controls and Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages increased immigration enforcement, employing farm workers and finding qualified, authorized employees is challenging and stressful.

The primary type of visa for agricultural labor is the H-2A visa, which is for temporary work in agriculture. H-2B visas are for temporary non-agricultural work, but often involve labor for work in processing

Help Wanted: Wage Inflation and Worker Scarcity • August 2018 3 EXHIBIT 5: Weekly Wages in Select Industries, 2017 Weekly Wages in Various Industries, 2017 1,400 agricultural goods. Employers seeking to bring 1,200 workers in to the U.S. must, among other things, demonstrate that the need for this labor is only 1,000 temporary, that it could not be filled by a U.S. citizen, 800 and that it will not negatively impact the working conditions or wages of U.S. citizens employed in 600 similar industries. Temporary workers holding these 400 visas are not able to apply for permanent resident 200 status or citizenship.

0 To find labor, many agricultural operations will enlist All Agriculture Construction Manufacturing Mining Transp Warehousing Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages the help of an agency that will provide a consistent Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages stream of workers and manage the paperwork. These agencies, however, typically have a continuous need for workers and are generally not eligible to hire workers on H-2 visas. Similarly, as opposed to seasonal crops which require extra labor for harvest, EXHIBIT 6: H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visas Issued dairy farms require year-round workers and are also H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visas Issued Thousands not able to take advantage of H-2A workers. 160

Obtaining H-2A status for an immigrant worker is also 140 less than ideal in many cases. First, it is the employer 120 who applies for H-2A status in order to bring a worker 100 into the United States, not the other way around. Someone in Mexico, for example, cannot apply for an 80

H-2A visa in the hopes of finding work in the U.S. The 60 employers then often work with agencies abroad who 40 provide workers, though they often charge the workers a fee which they repay through their work in the U.S. 20

Second, the visa is only valid while being employed 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 200 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 by the specific employer who applied for the visa. If Source: U.S. Department of Labor the arrangement does not work out upon arrival, the Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker is not able to seek work elsewhere. These setbacks are what drive many immigrant laborers to find ways around the system, but the program continues to experience growth. (See Exhibit 6.)

4 © CoBank ACB, 2018 Conclusion and Outlook References Labor markets in the U.S. are changing, and the 1 USDA - Economic Research Service. 2018. Farm Labor. supply of workers from Mexico, the primary source May. Accessed 2018. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/ farm-economy/farm-labor/#aewr. of U.S. farm labor, is dwindling. As the Mexican economy evolves and modernizes, birthrates are falling 2 Hernandez, Trish, Susan Gabbard, and Daniel Carroll. and populations are moving toward urban population 2016. Findings from the National Agricultural Workers centers and away from rural areas. This reduces the Survey (NAWS) 2013-2014. U.S. Department of Labor. number of people with an agricultural background who 3 The World Bank. 2017. DataBank World Development would be most interested in U.S. farm work. Indicators. November. http://databank.worldbank.org

This supply dynamic, exacerbated by tightening border 4 Martin, Philip, and J. Edward Taylor. 2013. Ripe with controls along the southern border of the U.S. will Change: Evolving Farm Labor Markets in the United lead to continued challenges in the years ahead. There States, Mexico, and Central America. Migration Policy Institute. are multiple potential outcomes based on these trends. 5 Hernandez, Gabbard, and Carroll. First, there is the potential that farm labor will be increasingly sourced from other areas like Central America’s Northern Triangle or from areas in East Asia.

Second, for some commodities, robotics and other technology will lead to efficiencies which will alleviate some of the need for labor. Though the high cost of some of these technologies has been prohibitive in the past, as the technology improves and the cost of labor continues to rise, the benefits begin to outweigh the costs for more producers.

Ultimately, the risk to the agricultural sector or any domestic industry is that wages will increase to the point where it becomes more cost effective for the U.S. to import the commodities rather than import the labor to produce them domestically.

Help Wanted: Wage Inflation and Worker Scarcity • August 2018 5 HELP WANTED: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches

The Florida blueberry harvest is made possible by the H2-A program.

6 BY DONNA ABERNATHY

FROM NORTH CAROLINA’S POULTRY The consequence: Finding reliable, hardworking PROCESSING PLANTS to California’s employees has become an unending headache for strawberry farms, the Help Wanted sign is out. many farmers, ranchers and growers, as well as for U.S. agribusinesses need workers – thousands of them. those who package and process what they produce. Recruiting and retaining agricultural workers has never Businesses from coast to coast are now hiring. They been more difficult or more costly. need employees to milk cows, pack onions, feed cattle, pick oranges and perform similar jobs that help keep A processor’s problem the farm-to-table food pipeline filled. They’re offering U.S. chicken consumption per capita has increased competitive wages and good benefits. every year since the 1960s. This year, the industry is Still, many of these jobs go unfilled. U.S. workers expecting to hit a new high, with the National Chicken aren’t willing, or are unable, to perform year-round or Council estimating that Americans will consume seasonal farm work. They won’t sign up for physically nearly 110 pounds of chicken and turkey per person.1 demanding – and oftentimes dirty – work at any price. The news is bittersweet for poultry processing Securing willing workers has long been a struggle for executive Mike Popowycz, vice chairman and chief agribusinesses of all descriptions, but it’s especially financial officer for Troutman, North Carolina- difficult these days. An uptick in the national economy headquartered Case Farms. He’s struggling to fill the has created a perfect storm of heightened food orders he has now.

PHOTO: STATEWIDE HARVESTING AND HAULING demand during a period of low U.S. unemployment A lack of dependable labor makes it difficult for Case rates. At the same time, historically restrictive federal to process 3.3 million birds weekly to supply its immigration policies are putting the squeeze on some customers. The company needs 3,200 employees to traditional labor pools. fully staff its four slaughter plants, a prepared foods

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 7 PHOTO: CASE FARMS

The greatest labor challenge for Case Farms is hiring qualified truck drivers.

plant, three feed mills and four hatcheries at locations financial assistance. Fearing a healthier in North Carolina and Ohio. paycheck will jeopardize that income stream, they won’t report for work some days or refuse Though Case has a core group of employees that overtime hours. comprise about 65 percent of its workforce, 35 percent of its hourly workers are in constant flux, said • Immigration restrictions – The company Popowycz. Last year, Case experienced a 100 percent previously had as many as 140 EB-3 visa turnover in hourly employees. Industry wide, the rate employees on its payroll. EB-3 is one of the hovers around 80 percent.2 myriad U.S. visa programs that allow hiring immigrants when qualified U.S. workers are not “We’re leaving profits on the table because we don’t available. Last year, only one of the 200 visa have adequate labor,” said Popowycz. “And we can’t applicants Case agreed to sponsor was approved. expand because we don’t have anyone willing to work.” Case has also previously employed political In North Carolina, where poultry is the leading refugees from places like Burma and Nepal. That agricultural industry and accounts for more than labor pool was severely limited after the number 100,000 jobs, poultry processors are competing with of refugees allowed in the U.S. dropped from each other for workers. Other industries, such as 150,000 to 45,000 last year. Though admissions construction, hospitality and food service, are also have restarted with most countries, the national labor competitors in areas where Case operates. cap is the lowest since Congress created the Case highlights three hiring roadblocks that are program in 1980.3 common in the industry: • Drug testing failure – Some weeks, as many as • Competing with assistance programs – Many 15-20 percent of applicants fail the mandatory Case employees receive federal need-based drug test.

8 © CoBank ACB, 2018 We’re leaving profits on the table because we don’t have Schwartz Farms has doubled its sales in the last adequate labor. And we can’t decade, but labor shortages are limiting business expansion. Growth is essential to retain quality expand because we don’t have employees, said Schwartz. anyone willing to work.” “We want to grow because we want our employees to see opportunities to grow with their company,” he said. “We want them to know this is a place where they can But Popowycz’s greatest hiring headache lies outside work their way up.” processing plants. He’s more concerned about securing qualified truck drivers to transport feed, Beyond his own facilities, Schwartz is concerned move birds and deliver processed poultry. about employee shortages at pork processing plants.

“There’s already a driver shortage in the U.S., and it’s “This has become a major issue because, if they don’t just going to get worse. Nationwide, we’re short about get enough workers to run at capacity, it impacts us in 60,000 drivers. That’s projected to go up to 175,000 terms of price and market,” he said. in five years,” he said, quoting statistics released in April by the American Trucking Associations.4 Cowboys wanted A healthier economy is good for beef producers. This Filling farm jobs year, there are 800,000 more cattle on U.S. feed lots Though they aren’t as strapped for employees as as compared to 2017.6 processors, meat producers also find themselves constantly working to fill openings for labor- intensive jobs. Friona Industries needs Keeping entry-level employees is a challenge for 300 full-time employees to help care for its Sleepy Eye, Minnesota-based Schwartz Farms, Inc. 450,000 head of cattle. The pork producer employs about 350 fulltime employees at facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska.5

Schwartz Farms has an annual employee turnover of 29 percent, putting it below the industry standard of 35 percent. The company goal, however, is no more than 15 percent, which is difficult in Minnesota where employee wages and benefits are very competitive.

About 50 percent of Schwartz Farms’ employees are from “diverse cultural backgrounds” but have permanent residency status or U.S. citizenship, said CEO John Schwartz. Fewer than 10 are working under a visa program.

9 PHOTO: FRIONA INDUSTRIES PHOTO: CACTUS FEEDERS

Bridging the Gap

In addition to offering competitive pay and attractive • Encouraging employee feedback – “We’re doing a benefits packages, some protein producers are better job of listening to our people,” said Schwartz trying more creative approaches to recruit and retain about the Schwartz Farms company culture that employees. The results of these efforts range from encourages employees to speak up when they see a poor to good, but no one approach has proven to move problem or have an idea. the employment needle significantly. Some of the There is a similar mindset at Case Farms where strategies and their outcomes include: employee groups meet weekly to offer their ideas • Thinking younger – Both Friona Industries and for workplace improvements and productivity Schwartz Farms are visiting area high schools in enhancements. search of future employees. Friona employees spend • Improved training – Many are investing more in time in agricultural education classrooms to help employee training. “We want to challenge, lead and familiarize students with career opportunities in coach our employees to be their best,” said Sheila the feedlot industry. The company is also helping Schmid, who oversees human resources at Schwartz students buy horses and tack, so they are ready to Farms. Before they can care for pigs on their own, come to work after graduation. the company’s barn employees are required to spend • Seeking out pockets of high unemployment – After several weeks job shadowing a veteran employee and Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico last year, must complete 20 hours of computer-based training many islanders were left jobless. Seeing opportunity, in subjects such as animal care, animal behavior Case Farms opened a recruitment office there. The and biosecurity. The company has hired a bilingual company recently helped 50 people relocate to trainer to ensure new employees fully understand North Carolina to work at one of its plants. what they are taught.

• More frequent pay raises – At Schwartz Farms, new • Promoting rural lifestyle – “We’ve taught our kids to employees are promised pay increases after three, think that success means getting a college degree six and 12 months on the job. After the first year, and moving to a large city. But quality of life counts raises are given annually. for a lot, and we rural employers need to exploit that,” said Schwartz. He points out the lower cost • Incentive pay – At one of its plants, Case Farms of housing as one factor that makes rural areas adds an additional $1 per hour to paychecks of preferable to urban locales. employees who report for all of their scheduled shifts each week. The incentive has done little to improve attendance. Paying more competitive wages, rather than offering bonuses or incentives, is working better at Schwartz Farms.

10 © CoBank ACB, 2018 PHOTO: CACTUS FEEDERS

Armando Vargas, who has been employed at Cactus Feeders for 29 years, started at the bottom and worked his way up to being feed manager at the company’s Wranger Feedyard.

Much of that growth is centered in the Texas The majority of those on the payroll at the two Panhandle. The area is home to the largest operations are nearly identical: Hispanic men with concentration of cattle feedyards – more than 35 permanent residency or citizenship working low- to of them – in the nation. Lot operators like Cactus semi-skilled jobs. Feeders and Friona Industries, both based in Many employees have been with Friona for 20-plus Amarillo, compete with each other, food processors years, but another “20 to 30 percent are a revolving and the oil industry for the personnel needed to door,” said Chairman and CEO Don Gales. Though the wrangle the millions of cattle that pass through the operator pays a fair wage, it can’t compete with what yards each year. neighboring oil companies offer. Friona Industries, the world’s third-largest commercial “They [employees] can drive a feed truck for us or go to cattle feeding company operator, needs 300 fulltime the oil fields and get $10 more an hour to also drive a employees – including genuine cowboys who work truck,” Gales said. from horseback – to help care for the 450,000 head of cattle always on feed at its six yards.7 Cactus Feeders boasts a lower-than-average employee turnover. Kevin Hazelwood, senior vice president The situation is similar at Cactus Feeders, the world’s and chief of staff, attributes this to the company’s largest privately owned cattle feeding operation. They commitment to “taking care of a man’s family” with need 500 workers to care for and market the 1 million “a good living wage, affordable health benefits and head of cattle that pass through the company’s 10 retirement benefits.” feedyards annually. Another 300 employees work at the company’s pork production farms.8

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 11 Cactus stands out as unusual because it is 100 An aging workforce in the feeder industry troubles percent employee-owned. “Employee ownership Gales. Many of Friona’s employees are due to retire creates a good [work] environment,” Hazelwood said. at about the same time, which will leave a significant void in both employee numbers and experience. Most The company launched an employee stock ownership work 55 to 60 hours weekly. plan (ESOP) in 1990 to buy out the original owners of Cactus Feeders. Now, every employee, age 18 “I see a challenge in finding people willing to work or older and working a minimum of 1,000 hours those kinds of hours. It will take more employees annually, receives shares of stock equivalent to to work those same hours, and we already can’t get about 8.5 percent of his yearly earnings. Shares are enough,” said Gales. hand-delivered to employees during annual business meetings held at each facility. Guest workers welcome Adam Pate knows where to find plenty of men willing “We have hourly guys with 15 to 20 years of service to pick thousands of acres of citrus and fresh fruits who retire with more than $250,000 in stock at no growing in Florida. The hard part is conquering the cost to them,” Hazelwood said, underscoring the miles of government red tape involved in getting much- ESOP’s long-term appeal. needed guest workers via the federal H-2A program.

A worker monitors a crop in California.

12 © CoBank ACB, 2018 PHOTO: COBANK PHOTO: STATEWIDE AND HAULING HARVESTING

The Florida strawberry harvest in full swing.

The H-2A program allows agricultural employers workers and only one domestic worker. Domestic to hire workers from other countries – most from workers must receive first preference in hiring, but Mexico – on temporary permits for agricultural jobs there were no other applicants.10 that last 10 months or less. Though it does provide “We had two or three others inquire, but once a worker pipeline, the H-2A program is “extremely they found out how hard the work is, they weren’t complicated, difficult to navigate and lined with interested,” Pate said. bureaucratic delays,” reminds a message on the website9 of Statewide Harvesting and Hauling, a It’s a story familiar to agribusiness employers across custom harvesting company out of Dundee, Florida. the nation. Labor Department figures indicate the H-2A visa program has been steadily growing in recent years. During the first three months of 2017, the department It’s a false narrative that we are approved applications to fill more than 69,000 U.S. farm jobs with H-2A visa holders. That’s up from nearly taking jobs from Americans.” 51,000 in 2016, an increase of 36 percent.11

Most of the program’s growth can be attributed to U.S. “The H-2A is not a farmer- or harvester-friendly program,” farmers experiencing increasing difficulty in recruiting bluntly summarized Pate, Statewide’s president. American workers.

Grower-owned Statewide has participated in the visa “It’s a false narrative that we are taking jobs from program since 2010. For the harvest season just Americans,” said Brad Johnston. He’s an attorney completed, the company’s payroll included 392 guest whose client, Peri & Sons Farms, uses the H-2A

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 13 The 75-day visa application window is not realistic for the program to secure about 1,500 seasonal workers to plant, harvest and pack onions, broccoli, cauliflower, growing season. We have to do spinach and lettuce in rural Nevada.12 paperwork long before we know The company, like other H-2A employers, is required to make expensive, exhaustive – and largely futile – how big the crop will be.” efforts to hire local workers before they are allowed to employ foreign-born help. Then they must follow a detailed flow chart and timeline to ensure that The 75-day window presents a different problem for the needed workers arrive in sync with planting and Pate. “It’s not realistic for the growing season. We harvesting needs. The application process involves have to do [visa] paperwork long before we know how numerous stops with state and federal agencies, big the crop will be,” he said. creating a lengthy, complicated paperwork trail. Housing for harvesters PHOTO: PERI & SONS Securing adequate housing, which employers are required to provide for all H-2A visa workers, presents the biggest labor-related headache for Pate. Leasing enough units in tourism-centric Central Florida is both complicated and costly. Statewide is meeting its housing needs by buying small apartment complexes. Even this isn’t enough, however.

“Our customers would like additional harvesters, but we can’t accommodate them due to not having more housing available,” Pate said.

Worker housing is also an issue in California’s Monterey County, known as the “Salad Bowl of the Peri & Sons Farms secures about 1,500 seasonal workers each year. World” because of the number of fruit and vegetable growers in the area. As of 2016, the Monterey-Santa Hiring help through the H-2A program comes at a Cruz area reported about 91,500 people employed as hefty price tag. Guest workers are well compensated, seasonal agricultural workers. Twenty percent of those said Johnston. In addition to receiving free housing are H-2A visa holders needing housing.13 and transportation, they are paid according to a federally set rate that exceeds the minimum wage. Mark Scaroni, lending manager for American AgCredit, has seen an increase in financing inquiries Another hiring headache is the visa application from those wanting to buy or build worker housing process, which can begin no more than 75 days developments in the area. Recently constructed before workers are needed. “It’s a very tight schedule, facilities typically house 600 to 800 workers, with and you can get very nervous about whether your guys eight people sharing a furnished unit. In California, are going to get here on time,” Johnston said.

14 © CoBank ACB, 2018 PHOTO: AMERICAN AGCREDIT PHOTO: CACTUS FEEDERS

Many of the workers that harvest fruits and vegetables in California rely on employer-provided housing.

the cost to construct a 75-unit complex has averaged providing care to many of the nation’s nearly 9.4 $10–$12 million. An additional $2.5-$4 million is million dairy cows.15 Dairy producers aren’t able to needed to buy the land.14 use the current H-2A program because it restricts visas to only temporary and seasonal work. “These units address a problem in our rural communities where there is already a housing Half of all workers on U.S. dairy farms are shortage, so city and county officials welcome these immigrants, according to a 2015 nationwide survey16 development projects,” Scaroni said. of dairy farms commissioned by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). NMPF represents Among the several approaches to meet worker most of the nation’s milk marketing cooperatives housing needs, a new model – or variations of it – is and state dairy associations. The survey found that emerging, Scaroni said. He is seeing growers and one-third of all U.S. dairy farms employ foreign-born labor contractors joining forces on projects. workers, and those farms produce nearly 80 percent “The grower and contractor may enter into a joint of the nation’s milk. venture, maybe form an LLC, and apply for financing The survey results did not distinguish between to build or purchase housing units. Then, the LLC documented and undocumented foreign-born workers, leases the units to the labor contractor, who is but 71 percent of responding dairy farmers said they responsible for taking care of the housing for the had either a low or medium level of confidence in the workers,” he said. employment documents of their immigrant workers.

Dairy’s dilemma Today, dairy operators find themselves on shaky ground Despite the challenges fruit and vegetable growers as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have encountered, many U.S. dairymen would like officials ramp up the arrest, detention and deportation the opportunity to participate in a program like H-2A. of undocumented farm workers. In New York state, They want a visa program that allows immigrants where dairy farms are a frequent target, ICE activity to legally work on farms year-round, milking and climbed 27 percent in 2017.17

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 15 The H-2C visa would help advance our efforts to assure New York Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball estimated in May that half of the state’s farm labor a stable, dependable and legal force is undocumented.18 Ball, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and some of the state’s congressional delegates workforce for America’s dairy are defending farmers and calling for immediate farmers, now and in the future.” immigration reform.

“We need to stop kicking the ball down the field and deal with it,” Ball said. bill was rejected by the House on June 21. A second immigration bill, which also included the guest worker Ball’s call for action comes as NMPF and other ag visa, failed the following week. organizations are making a hard push for Congress to create a new, year-round agriculture guest worker visa Mulhern is hopeful Congress will re-visit the program. The program, dubbed the H-2C visa, “helps immigration issue later this summer. “We know there advance our efforts to assure a stable, dependable are many [House] members in both parties who are and legal workforce for America’s dairy farmers, now eager to forge solutions to these complicated issues, and in the future,” said Jim Mulhern, president and and we are hopeful that this is not the end of the CEO of NMPF.19 process. Dairy cannot wait any longer,” he said.21

An immigration reform bill introduced by House Hungry for help Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte proposed Dairymen like Peter Braun have no choice but to wait the H-2C visa among a laundry list of reforms.20 The and see if the H-2C visa will ever become a reality. In

One-third of all U.S. dairy farms employ foreign-born workers, the meantime, however, there are cows to be milked and those farms produce nearly 80 percent of the nation’s milk. with whatever help he can find.

He and fellow members of AgriMark dairy cooperative want to keep milk flowing into cheese vats in pace with U.S. consumer demand. The average American ate more than 36 pounds of cheese last year, setting another consumption record, reports USDA’s Economic Research Service.22

Braun and his father-in-law/partner Robert Cruikshank operate Woodcrest Dairy, an operation milking about 3,000 cows and cultivating 5,000 acres of forages.23 The Upstate New York farm is headquartered in Lisbon, a town where the dairy cows outnumber the people.

It takes 36 employees to staff the dairy’s four milking parlors. They work in three shifts to accommodate a three-times-daily milking schedule. PHOTO: COBANK

16 © CoBank ACB, 2018 PHOTO: COBANK

Absenteeism and employee turnover are significant problems for U.S. dairies.

Woodcrest also employs another 30 workers who about a decade ago. Braun and his partner chose feed, care for calves and assist with crop planting to stop employing workers from Mexico after two of and harvesting. their farms were raided by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Though the farm had the required documentation “Milkers and cow handlers are the biggest chunk of for each employee, more than a dozen workers – our labor,” said Braun. “That’s the area where we are including two placed there by the New York State always needing more help.” Department of Labor – were removed, leaving the farm Absenteeism is a constant worry. Braun schedules an severely shorthanded in its milking parlors. extra worker per shift at every milking facility, just in A desperate Braun was “hiring guys off the street” just case someone doesn’t report for work. to get his cows milked. “We lost a ton of production “Cows with full udders don’t care that somebody called when all that happened,” he recalled. in sick or just didn’t show up. And that happens here – To avoid a repeat, Braun and Cruikshank began sourcing a lot,” the dairyman said. employees from Puerto Rico. Islanders are not required Employee turnover is also a problem. Last year, Braun to secure a visa since they reside in a U.S. territory. issued 150 W-2 forms (Internal Revenue Service The farm’s payroll also includes a few members of the wage and tax statements), indicating he employed an county’s Amish community. Though extremely reliable, average 2.3 workers for each paid position on the farm. these workers have many limitations due to their Most of Woodcrest’s current milkers are Puerto Rican. religious beliefs. The Amish can’t use mechanized About two-thirds of them are permanently settled equipment, so they won’t work in the milking parlor, in St. Lawrence County where Woodcrest is located. drive a truck or operate feed or harvesting equipment. But another third represent an ever-changing cast as They won’t work at night or on Sundays, either. workers float between their island home and New York. Woodcrest pays milkers $12 an hour, which is about Three of Woodcrest’s milking parlors are situated $2 above New York’s minimum wage. Truck drivers less than two miles from the Canadian border – a command a higher wage. The math isn’t working, fact that altered the farm’s worker demographics said Braun.

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 17 “We can’t keep this up while we’re getting just $14 “With robotics, we went away from managing people to [per hundredweight] for our milk,” he said. managing cows,” Plagerman said, explaining that data collected by the robots contributes to better herd health. Relying on robots He expects his $2 million automation investment On the other side of the country, Washington state to pay off in about four years, despite the current dairyman Leroy Plagerman isn’t waiting for a dairy price environment. “I think a four-year return is congressional fix to his labor problems. Instead, he’s awesome,” he said. relying on technology.24 Only two months into the automated operation, Plagerman and his family milk about 1,000 cows Plagerman was convinced that his investment was well on two farms in dairy-heavy Whatcom County, which worth it. He plans to convert his other dairy as soon as shares a border with Canada’s British Columbia it’s financially feasible. province. Collectively, Whatcom producers lead Washington in the production of milk, a $1.1 billion Man versus machine industry that ranks 10th in the nation.25 Since dairy farmers like Plagerman are reporting Last fall, the dairyman upgraded one farm’s existing success with enhanced automation, can technology free-stall barn and manure handling system to an provide substitutes for human laborers in other automated operation. The farm’s eight robotic milkers, agricultural enterprises? In most cases, the answer is a feeding system and waste management are now no – or at least not yet. controlled by computer. Difficulty finding milkers motivated Plagerman’s Automation has to be our future. switch to automation. He was forced to scale back from three to two milkings daily when he couldn’t It’s not going to be viable forever to find reliable help to work the night shift. Both milk production and overall cow performance dropped. bring labor from other countries.” That’s when the Darigold co-op member began looking for a better option. Some of the work performed in Case Farms plants is already automated, but technology has not yet Now, he has a dairy that operates with minimal human provided viable substitutes for all tasks involved in help. Plagerman’s daughter, Jana, handles calf care and preparing chicken for grocery stores and restaurants. other jobs with the help of just one additional employee. “Machines need uniformity to work well, and birds “Our labor is one-third of what it was before,” said don’t come in just one size,” said Popowycz. Plagerman. “Plus, what we are saving in labor costs is covering two-thirds of the monthly robot payment.” Where robotics can be used, one machine can replace more than 30 Case line workers. More technologically The math is working in other ways, too. The herd’s advanced processing equipment is in the research milk production has climbed 12 percent and and development stage. When it becomes available, reproduction rates have also increased. Popowycz plans to be one of the first buyers.

18 © CoBank ACB, 2018 PHOTO: STATEWIDE AND HAULING HARVESTING

Cactus Feeders’ trucks are equipped with computers that show how much feed has been delivered to each pen in the yard.

Though mechanized harvesting exists for a few crops, identifying maintenance issues before they result in most fruit and vegetables must still be harvested by downtime and drones are replacing some of the work hand. That will have to change, said Pate. being done by cowboys, such as taking inventory.

“Automation has to be our future,” he said. “It’s There’s a limit to the applications for automation, not going to be viable forever to bring labor from though, said Hazelwood. It will never be a viable other countries.” substitute for animal handling and care – the work of a cowboy. In the near future, he hopes automation can at least fill the gap between available workers and the demand “We’re not going to automate this man [cowboy] out for harvesting. of a job,” he said. “What he does is the essence of caretaking. We can’t automate that.” Robots can’t replace the human touch and eyes required to provide quality animal care, reminded both Schwartz and Gales. Still, Gales sees automation opportunities. Driverless feed trucks, which could replace the five or six drivers required at each Friona feedlot, are one such possibility.

“We already have computerized equipment to ensure the right feed goes in the right bunk, so it’s not much of a stretch to think we could have robotic trucks doing this work,” he said.

Cactus Feeders is applying technology wherever possible to gain operational efficiencies. Feed mills are run mostly by computers, high-tech tools are

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 19 Conclusion Brad Johnston, the Peri & Sons representative, For U.S. farmers to continue playing a role in provides this succinct assessment of the U.S. farm putting food on the table, they’re going to need labor situation: “There are only two choices: You either a hand – help they won’t find locally. Machines import your ag labor or you import your food.” may, in time, reduce the number of hands needed to grow and harvest food, but they aren’t likely to These hard choices come at a time when the United completely replace them. Meanwhile, foreign-born Nations puts the world’s population at 7.6 billion workers are ready to fill the nation’s farm labor gap, people – with a projected 9.8 billion by 2050.26 if complicated visa programs and slow-changing Growth and rising incomes in developing countries immigration reform don’t prevent farmers from legally (which cause dietary changes such as eating more getting the help they desperately need. protein and meat) are driving up global food demand. Demand is expected to increase anywhere between 59–98 percent by 2050.27

20 © CoBank ACB, 2018 References 1 https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/about-the- 15 https://www.statista.com/statistics/194962/top-10-us- industry/statistics/per-capita-consumption-of-poultry-and- states-by-number-of-milk-cows/ livestock-1965-to-estimated-2012-in-pounds/ 16 http://www.nmpf.org/immigration 2 Interview with Mike Popowycz, vice chairman and CFO, 17 “ICE crackdown meets reality: Half of NY’s farm labor Case Farms. May 7, 2018. is here illegally, official says.” Syracuse.com/NYUP.com. 3 http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/02/26/ May 2, 2018. key-facts-about-u-s-immigration-policies-and-proposed- 18 Ibid changes/ 19 “NMPF Applauds House Judiciary Committee for 4 https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/04/26/truck- Endorsing New Agriculture Guest Worker Program.” driver-shortage-raises-prices/535870002/ Oct. 18, 2017. 5 Interview with John Schwartz, CEO, and Sheila Schmid, 20 https://judiciary.house.gov/press-release/goodlatte-op-ed- Human Resources Director, Schwartz Farms, Inc. May 11, in-the-packer-h-2c-program-helps-americas-farmers/ 2018. 21 “NMPF Statement on Failure of House Immigration Bill.” 6 https://release.nass.usda.gov/reports/cofd0318.pdf June 27, 2018 7 Interview with Don Gales, CEO, Friona Industries. 22 https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/dairy-data.aspx May 14, 2018. 23 Interview with Peter Braun, partner, Woodcrest Dairy. 8 Interview with Kevin Hazelwood, senior vice president, June 21, 2018. Cactus Feeders. May 31, 2018. 24 Interview with Leroy Plagerman, owner, Paradise Jerseys, 9 http://www.statewideharvesting.com June 21, 2018. 10 Interview with Adam Pate, president, Statewide 25 https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/nov/19/ Harvesting & Hauling. May 10, 2018. whatcom-county-tops-region-for-small-dairy-farms/ 11 U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor 26 “World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision.” Certification, OFLC Performance Data, https://www. United Nations, released June 21, 2017. foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/performancedata.cfm; U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 27 “The future of food demand: understanding differences “Nonimmigrant Visa Statistics,” https://travel.state.gov/ in global economic models.” The Journal of the content/visas/en/law-and-policy/statistics/non-immigrant- International Association of Agricultural Economists, visas.html. December 2013.

12 Interview with Brad Johnston, attorney and outside counsel for Peri & Sons Farms. April 27, 2018.

13 Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan for Salinas Valley and Pajaro Valley. https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/ home/showdocument?id=63729

14 Interview with Mark Scaroni, lending manager, American AgCredit. April 24, 2018.

Help Wanted: U.S. Agribusinesses Experience Hiring Headaches • August 2018 21 About CoBank CoBank is a cooperative bank with more than CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, $130 billion in assets serving vital industries a nationwide network of banks and retail lending across rural America. The bank provides loans, associations chartered to support the borrowing leases, export financing and other financial services needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and to agribusinesses and rural power, water and rural communities. communications providers in all 50 states. The bank Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank also provides wholesale loans and other financial serves customers from regional banking centers services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving across the U.S. and also maintains an international more than 70,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural representative office in Singapore. borrowers in 23 states around the country.

For more information about CoBank, visit the bank’s website at www.cobank.com.

CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division welcomes readers’ comments and suggestions. Please send them to [email protected].

Disclaimer: The information provided in this report is not intended to be investment, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied upon by recipients for such purposes. The information contained in this report has been compiled from what CoBank regards as reliable sources. However, CoBank does not make any representation or warranty regarding the content, and disclaims any responsibility for the information, materials, third-party opinions, and data included in this report. In no event will CoBank be liable for any decision made or actions taken by any person or persons relying on the information contained in this report.

22 © CoBank ACB, 2018 800-542-8072 www.cobank.com PHOTO: STATEWIDE HARVESTING AND HAULING

24 © CoBank ACB, 2018 Emerging Technologies & Cultured Meat

July 26, 2018

President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Trump:

The undersigned organizations respectfully request you take action to preserve a fair and competitive marketplace for all meat and poultry products, regardless of the method in which these products are produced. Our members raise and process cattle, sheep, hogs, turkeys, and chickens to feed families in the United States and around the world. Protecting the health and welfare of consumers is our top priority and this goal is achieved under a comprehensive regulatory system administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). That system ensures all meat and poultry products are held to the same rigorous food safety and labeling standards. Anything less is a grave disservice to consumers and producers.

At a recent public meeting held by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which excluded USDA and at which FDA indicated it plans to assert itself as the primary regulator of cell-cultured products, a representative of a cell-cultured protein company stated, “Our beef is beef, our chicken is chicken.” If that is so, then cell- cultured protein products that purport to be meat or poultry should be subject to the same comprehensive inspection system that governs other amenable meat and poultry products to ensure they are wholesome and safe for consumption, and to ensure they are labeled and marketed in a manner that provides a level playing field in the marketplace.

USDA is uniquely equipped to ensure both elements: inspectors are on-site daily, and USDA approves all product labels to ensure products are what they claim to be and to prevent consumers from being misled. Meat and poultry processing companies have been meeting the challenge of USDA inspection for decades. Cell- cultured meat and poultry companies can and should meet the same requirements.

Ironically, this regulatory power grab by FDA comes on the heels of the White House’s recently released government reorganization plan that included moving primary federal food safety functions into a single agency housed within the USDA. Having cell-cultured protein products regulated by FDA is not only inconsistent with the meat and poultry inspection statutes, but also with the White House’s reorganization plan.

Undoubtedly, USDA’s exacting standards impose regulatory burdens on meat and poultry producers – as they should. However, if cell-cultured protein companies want the privilege of marketing their products as meat and poultry products to the American public, in order to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, they should be happy to follow the same rules as everyone else. Consumers expect and deserve nothing less.

Sincerely,

American Farm Bureau Federation American Sheep Industry Association National Cattlemen's Beef Association National Chicken Council National Pork Producers Council National Turkey Federation North American Meat Institute

August 23, 2018

President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Memphis Meats and the North American Meat Institute respectfully request that your Administration clarify the regulatory framework for cell-based meat and poultry products, based on the existing comprehensive system that ensures U.S. consumers enjoy the safest and most affordable food in the world.

Existing law and practice, as well as longstanding precedent, demonstrate that both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have roles to play in regulating cell-based meat and poultry products. To ensure the regulatory system protects consumers while fostering innovation, it is imperative that the agencies coordinate and collaborate in their efforts, consistent with established policy.1

As leaders and partners in meeting the world’s protein needs, we know that large- scale production methods, small-scale farming, and cell-based meat and poultry production methods will all play a role. Cell-based meat products are meat produced from animal cells in cell culture. They are an “and,” not an “or,” solution, and the latest in a long history of innovation in American agriculture. Recognizing a shared desire to support innovation and feed the world, moving forward we will use the term “cell-based meat and poultry” to describe the products that are the result of animal cell culture.

As an industry, we are uncompromising on product safety and we recognize the importance of consumer transparency. We support a fair and competitive marketplace that lets consumers decide what food products make sense for them

1 See, e.g., Formal Agreement between USDA and FDA Relative to Cooperation and Coordination (Jan. 30, 2018) (“In the interest of regulatory efficiency and the effective execution of their respective responsibilities . . . USDA and FDA share the goals of identifying and potentially reducing the number of establishments subject to the dual regulatory requirements of USDA and FDA, bringing greater clarity and consistency to jurisdictional decisions under USDA and FDA’s respective authorities, including transition period, and decreasing unnecessary regulatory burdens.”); Memorandum of Understanding between USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and FDA (MOU 225-00-2000) (establishing a working relationship between FSIS and FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition for the use of food additives, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, prior-sanctioned substances, and color additives used in the production of meat and poultry products).

and their families, and the existing regulatory framework can achieve these goals.

As is the case for other new or novel foods or food ingredients, including those made from or otherwise used in meat and poultry products, FDA should have oversight over pre-market safety evaluations for cell-based meat and poultry products. Historically, for evaluations relating to meat or poultry products, USDA has provided input to FDA as part of this process. Given USDA’s expertise in regulating meat and poultry, that role should continue. After pre-market safety has been established with FDA, USDA should regulate cell-based meat and poultry products, as it does with all other meat and poultry products, applying relevant findings from FDA’s safety evaluation to ensure products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.

Such a regulatory framework is not new and plays into the strengths and experience of FDA and USDA: FDA has extensive expertise regarding products produced using cell culture technology and USDA has a longstanding role in inspecting meat and poultry products. We nonetheless understand that decisions made regarding a regulatory framework must be made with the input of all stakeholders.

The United States is currently the world leader in protein production, including cell-based meats. But we will not maintain that position without regulatory clarity. As a next step, we respectfully request a combined meeting between the White House, USDA, FDA, and both conventional and cell-based meat and poultry industry stakeholders, including the undersigned.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this critical topic. We look forward to continued collaboration as we move forward.

Respectfully submitted,

Uma Valeti, MD, FACC Barry Carpenter Co-founder and CEO President and CEO Memphis Meats, Inc. North American Meat Institute

anyaivanova/ThinkstockPhotos Here’s why it matters which government agency regulates fake meat This flank attack on the meat industry could disrupt U.S. agriculture.

Gary Baise 1 | Sep 06, 2018

Will the primary regulator of cell-cultured products (fake meat) be the Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture ?

The answer could make a big difference to the future of agriculture. The ‘sustainable’ meat folks believe they will have an easier time controlling the future of fake meat at FDA than they would working with the red meat fans at USDA. They believe USDA is part of the problem in not shutting down the pork, beef and poultry industries because of its inhumaneness.

This is a flank attack on the meat industry by the enviros and PETA types.

Power grab?

FDA, and surprisingly members of President Trump’s White House staff, are supporting a regulatory power grab by the bureaucrats at the FDA. Source URL: https://www.farmfutures.com/commentary/here-s-why-it-matters-which-government- agency-regulates-fake-meat

Major ag organizations recently sent a letter to President Trump, which included the following statement: “At a recent public meeting held by the FDA (which excluded USDA) and at which FDA indicated it plans to assert itself as the primary regulator of cell-cultured (fake meat) products…” The letter was signed by major agricultural organizations such as the National Pork Producers, American Farm Bureau and the North American Meat Institute .

As background, consider this: The White House in June released a new government reorganization plan which suggested all food safety functions be housed in a single agency within the USDA. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service already reviews new technologies, and it is argued that cell-based protein (fake meat) production fits into USDA’s mission, not FDA’s.

Memphis Meats , a cell-based protein company, believes that its products must be subject to the same USDA inspection system to ensure such products are safe for human consumption. Memphis Meats wants to ensure its products are marketed and labeled in the same manner as other meat products.

An August 10, 2018 letter from the Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Mike Conaway, was unclear in assuring that USDA would be in charge of the regulatory framework for fake meat. In a “mealy mouth” statement, Director Mick Mulvany stated, “You can be assured that all of the administration’s food safety expertise that has been gleaned through the exercise of current authorities granted to the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration will be brought to bear on our consideration of proper regulatory framework for these products.”

Bill Gates is a fan

Cell-cultured meat (fake meat) is backed by individuals such as Bill Gates. Environmental groups are getting into the act because these organizations have long opposed traditional meat production. These groups see fake meat as sustainable food, but have indicated, “We’ve had the experience of watching the environmental impacts of

Source URL: https://www.farmfutures.com/commentary/here-s-why-it-matters-which-government- agency-regulates-fake-meat some food products and we really can’t afford to create more unsustainable food systems that take us in another wrong direction.”

A spokesperson for Friends of the Earth claims “People have been clear that they want real, truly sustainable organic food, as opposed to venture capitalist hype which would lead us down the wrong path.”

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has indicated in earlier statements that fake meat should be regulated by the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). FDA earlier this summer has announced it plans to be the agency overseeing fake meat. Who will win?

Recently a large number of agriculture trade representatives met with OMB, the National Economic Council and representatives from the White House Counsel’s office. It has been reported to me that this meeting was openly hostile and combative, with White House staff supporting FDA’s right to regulate fake meat.

It appears both the White House staff and FDA personnel do not understand the Federal Meat Inspection Act , which has significant scientific expertise and assures the safety of all meat and poultry products. FDA and its friends in the sustainable food movement want fake meat regulated by those who have little or no understanding of agriculture.

Congressmen Bob Aderholt, Mike Conaway, Colin Peterson and Sanford Bishop have told the White House that FDA should keep its hands off of regulating fake meat and USDA should continue its role in ensuring safety and accurate labeling of anything called meat (of course, using the word ‘meat’ is also under debate). FDA, according to its fulltime equivalent employee chart, appears to have 1,001 employees in its Food Safety Center. USDA, on the other hand, indicates in its FSIS that 9,600 individuals work to protect meat food safety.

Based on these numbers, who can do the better job protecting consumers?

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.

Source URL: https://www.farmfutures.com/commentary/here-s-why-it-matters-which-government- agency-regulates-fake-meat

Farm Bill

September 28, 2018 Expiration of the 2014 Farm Bill: Some Potential Implications

The farm bill is an omnibus, multi-year law that governs an Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has an authorization array of agricultural and food programs. It provides an of appropriations ending September 30, it (and other related opportunity for policymakers to periodically address a programs in the SNAP account) can continue to operate broad range of agricultural and food issues. The farm bill with an appropriation. has typically undergone reauthorization about every five years. Expiration by Calendar Year Expiration after October 1, at the end of a calendar year, In the past, farm bills have focused primarily on farm matters mostly for the farm commodity programs. In the commodity program support for a handful of staple event that the current farm law would expire without commodities—corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, dairy, replacement legislation or an extension, the first commodity and sugar. Farm bills have become increasingly expansive to be affected would be dairy with a crop year that begins in their topical scope since 1973, when a nutrition title was on January 1, 2019. included. Other prominent additions include conservation, horticulture, and bioenergy programs. Consequences for Selected Programs An appropriations act or a continuing resolution can The 115th Congress could establish the future direction of continue some farm bill programs even though a program’s farm and food policy, because many of the provisions in the authority has expired. Programs using discretionary current farm bill (the Agricultural Act of 2014, P.L. 113-79) funding—and programs using appropriated mandatory expire in 2018. funding like those in the SNAP account—can continue to operate via appropriations action. Recent farm bills have been subject to various developments, such as insufficient votes to pass the House Most farm bill programs with mandatory funding (with the floor, presidential vetoes, or—as in the case of 2008 and exception of the largest three: SNAP and programs in the 2014—short-term extensions. The 2002 farm bill was the SNAP account, farm commodity programs, and crop most recent to be enacted before the fiscal year expiration insurance) generally cease new operations when they expire date for some programs. (e.g., the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and Market Assistance Program (MAP)). However, existing Timing of Expiration contracts under prior-year authority generally could The timing and consequences of farm bill expiration vary continue to be paid. by program across the breadth of the farm bill. There are two principal expiration dates: September 30 and December The mandatory farm commodity programs would begin 31. The most recent farm bill—the 2014 farm bill (the reverting to permanent law beginning with the 2019 crop Agricultural Act of 2014, P.L. 113-79)—generally expires year, for which dairy is the first to be affected, beginning on either at the end of FY2018 (September 30, 2018), or with January 1, 2019. However, payments for the 2018 crop year the 2018 crop year that varies by crop. A crop year refers to would continue to be authorized from the 2014 farm bill, the year in which a commodity is harvested. A marketing including final payments for corn and soybeans that would year follows the crop year and is the 12 months following be made as late as October 2019 after the 2018 crop’s harvest during which the crop is typically sold, perhaps marketing year. under terms of the relevant government program. Crop insurance is an example of a permanently authorized Consequences of Expiration and funded mandatory program that does not expire. The possible consequences of expiration range from minimal disruption (if the program is able to be continued One mandatory conservation program—the Environmental via appropriations), ceasing new activity (if its Quality Incentives Program—was extended through authorization to use mandatory funding expires), or FY2019 prior to expiration, so would not expire like other reverting to permanent laws enacted decades ago. programs.

Expiration by Fiscal Year Permanent Law Expiration of a farm bill on a September 30 fiscal year “Permanent law” refers to non-expiring farm commodity matters for programs with fiscal year authorizations. These programs that are generally from the 1938 and 1949 farm programs include certain nutrition, conservation, and trade bills. The temporary suspension of permanent law has been programs, various agricultural programs excluding the Title included as a section in all recent farm bills. If the I commodity programs, along with many authorizations for suspension of permanent law were to expire at the end of a discretionary appropriations. Although the Supplemental crop year, the permanent law provisions would take effect

www.crs.gov | 7-5700

Expiration of the 2014 Farm Bill: Some Potential Implications unless a new farm bill, or an extension of the most recent expected, and the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 farm bill; act, continues the suspension, or these permanent laws were P.L. 113-79) was subsequently enacted on February 7, to be repealed. 2014, to cover the 2014-2018 crop years and other programs through September 30, 2018. The commodity support provisions of permanent law are commonly viewed as being fundamentally different from Funding for Extensions current policy—and inconsistent with today’s farming The funding source for farm bill programs matters since practices, marketing system, and international trade some are mandatory and some are discretionary. Mandatory agreements—as well as potentially costly to the federal programs usually dominate farm bill policy and the debate government. To date, Congress has not allowed permanent over the farm bill budget. law to take effect. Permanent law provides mandatory support for basic crops through nonrecourse loans. A Mandatory programs are authorized—and paid for—in a nonrecourse loan allows the producer the option of farm bill with multiyear budget estimates when a law is forfeiting the crop to the government and keeping the enacted. Budget enforcement is through “PayGo” budget principal amount if market prices are below the loan rate. rules, baseline projections, and scores of the effect of Permanent law does not authorize more modern support proposed bills. The baseline is a projection of future federal approaches such as loan deficiency payments, payments spending on mandatory programs under current law; it is a based on prices or revenue that are decoupled from (not tied benchmark against which proposed changes in law are to) actual production, or dairy margin protection. measured (the score of a bill). Discretionary programs are authorized in the farm bill for their scope, but receive their funding in annual appropriations acts (or continuing Permanent Law and the “Dairy Cliff” resolutions). Dairy is often discussed extensively when farm bill expiration arises, not only because it would be the first commodity to Among the mandatory-funded programs that are usually the revert to permanent law, but also because it is a good focus of the farm bill, there are two subcategories that example of the scale of market effects and costs of affect congressional action—some have baseline and some intervention that could result. do not have baseline. This makes a difference as Congress Milk is supported in permanent law by compelling USDA to writes a farm bill, or if Congress considers an extension to purchase manufactured dairy products (nonfat dry milk, deal with an expiration. cheddar cheese, and butter) in sufficient quantities to raise demand in order to raise the farm price of milk to the desired The 2008 farm bill is instructive in this regard. The one- support level. Under permanent law, those mandated year extension of the 2008 farm bill for 2013 was budget- purchase prices ($39.08/cwt., based on August 2018 data) are neutral. Congress was able to extend many of those more than double current market prices ($15.40/cwt. as the programs using existing budget resources (baseline) at no all milk price in July 2018). additional budgetary cost. However, a subset of farm bill The high purchase price under permanent law could result in programs that had been authorized with mandatory funding the government outbidding commercial markets for a sizeable did not continue because they did not have a baseline. To share of output, and that subsequently could raise the retail have been continued in an extension, those programs would price of milk. In December 2012, the possibility that milk have needed budgetary offsets to meet PayGo requirements prices eventually might double became known as the “dairy of not adding to the deficit. Providing funding for those cliff,” aptly named after the concurrent “fiscal cliff. programs without baseline would have made the extension more difficult. In 2013, the While House indicated that the permanent law for dairy could cost the government $12 billion per year and result in milk prices doubling for consumers. At that time, CRS Products projected outlays for dairy in the 2008 farm bill were about CRS In Focus IF10187, Farm Bill Primer: What Is the Farm Bill? $100 million per year. CRS Report R45210, Farm Bills: Major Legislative Actions, 1965-2018

CRS Report R45275, The House and Senate 2018 Farm Bills Historical Examples of Expiration (H.R. 2): A Side-by-Side Comparison with Current Law. As the 2014 farm bill was being developed, there were two CRS In Focus IF10780, Farm Bill Primer: Programs Without expirations; the first was from October 1, 2012 through Baseline Beyond FY2018 January 1, 2013, and the second dated from October 1, CRS In Focus IF10783, Farm Bill Primer: Budget Issues 2013, through February 6, 2014. Some programs ceased new operations, while others were able to continue. However, neither expiration lasted long enough for the farm commodity programs to revert to a “permanent law” that Jim Monke, [email protected], 7-9664 would have raised support prices and increased federal outlays. On the first occasion, the 2008 farm bill was IF10989 extended for one year; all provisions that were in effect on September 30, 2012, were extended through FY2013 or for the 2013 crop year as applicable. On the second occasion, no extension was enacted, but a conference agreement was

www.crs.gov | 7-5700

Democrats' House victory shakes up farm bill, USDA politics

By Catherine Boudreau

11/07/2018 05:00 AM EDT

Democrats' House takeover in Tuesday's midterms increases pressure on Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway to strike a deal in farm bill negotiations before the end of the year if he wants the legislation to reflect some of his conservative priorities.

It also opens the door for a renewed push for an immigration overhaul that would address agriculture's chronic worker shortage, though the politics of such legislation are complicated, especially with Republicans maintaining their majority in the Senate.

House Agriculture ranking member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), who won reelection in a relatively close contest, is expected in the next Congress to take over the gavel from Conaway, who secured another term with ease.

Peterson has said he wants to pass a farm bill this year and isn't interested in a wholesale rewrite of the legislation in 2019. He has embraced the Senate-passed version, S. 3042 (115), in part because it attracted bipartisan support.

The Senate measure doesn't include controversial changes to food stamps or conservation policy, nor does it provide a boost of more than $400 million for cotton growers over a decade like the House bill, H.R. 2 (115), which passed in June by just two votes, without a single Democrat voting in favor.

"I think the farm bill gets done pretty fast," said Callie Eideberg, senior policy manager at the Environmental Defense Fund. "I think Republicans are going to be concerned about what a Democratic House would write into a farm bill and want to make sure they preserve the gains they've already included."

Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, doesn't expect a Democrat-controlled House to have significant consequences for the farm bill, however. Like past debates over the sweeping agriculture and nutrition legislation, many of the differences break down along regional, not political, lines.

"It will very much be stay the course," Conner told POLITICO. "I think Conaway wanted this thing done in the lame duck no matter what the outcome [of the election] is."

Top farm bill negotiators — Conaway, Peterson and Senate Agriculture ranking member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) — returned home to campaign last month, but their staff worked on the farm bill throughout the recess with the goal of clinching a conference agreement shortly after lawmakers return to Washington next week. Stabenow won reelection on Tuesday, while Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), the fourth member of the so-called "Big Four" agriculture lawmakers, wasn't up for reelection.

If Congress doesn't send a farm bill to President Donald Trump before Jan. 1, lawmakers in both chambers would have to re-introduce legislation and pass it again. That process could open the bills to a litany of amendments, particularly in the House, such as provisions to strip out Conaway's proposal to impose stricter work requirements on about 5 million to 7 million adults in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Amendments to rein in subsidies for wealthy farmers and adjust federal crop insurance would also be likely.

Longtime anti-hunger crusader Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), another victor on Tuesday, will likely take the top spot on the Rules Committee, which sets the parameters for floor debate and decides which amendments can be brought up for a vote.

As the farm bill moved through House, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi encouraged her party not to offer amendments to what she called a "destructive and partisan" bill. Rules Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas), who was defeated on Tuesday night, blocked nearly all proposals aimed at shrinking farm subsidies.

Those political calculations will likely change with McGovern taking control, and the anti- hunger lobby is betting that the Massachusetts Democrat would reject any SNAP proposal designed to cut spending on the nutrition program.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) told reporters Tuesday that a House run by Democrats would be more likely to adopt limitations on farm subsidies, similar to what he secured in the Senate version, which would allow only one manager per farm to be eligible for up to $125,000 in commodity payments.

If language makes it into both bills, the conference committee is technically supposed to leave it untouched. That didn't happen during the 2014 farm bill debate, however, when the conference committee watered down a similar provision Grassley offered that also was included in the House bill. Stabenow and Peterson were conferees at the time.

The immigration question

The change in farm bill politics is far from the only way Democrats calling the shots in the House will alter agricultural policy debates. The next Congress will face renewed pressure to tackle immigration and provide farmers with relief from the labor shortages that plague operations across the country.

"As I travel the countryside, labor in many regions is still the number one issue over anything else," Conner said, adding that regardless of the election results, the farm lobby would "have to make another run" because there will be new blood and new leaders in Congress. The House Judiciary Committee will have new leadership because Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), who has promoted a conservative bill to reform the H-2A guestworker program, is retiring. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), a longtime critic of Trump, is expected to take over.

At the same time, the retirement of Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) sets up a game of musical chairs. Grassley may give up his gavel on the Judiciary Committee to take Hatch's post, leaving Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has leaned centrist on immigration issues in the past, next in line.

The House must resolve myriad challenges in order to pass broad immigration legislation. Goodlatte has been criticized by members of his own party as being an obstacle to an overhaul, though the House GOP has failed to unify the party's moderate and conservative flanks behind a compromise measure.

Trump is the wild card. Earlier this year, he refused to endorse a deal that would have extended protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children as part of legislation that included some of the president's priorities, like $1.6 billion to partially fund a wall along the southern border. Trump had earlier ended the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.

"The fact that Trump has chosen to talk about immigration on the campaign trail, in spite of more positive actions like tax cuts, highlights that there isn't any room for compromise coming up," said Robin Johnson, a political science lecturer at Monmouth College in Illinois.

"There is no predicting Trump, but by his actions, I would think the chances of an immigration compromise are remote," added Johnson, who works with Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) on her initiative to understand how Democrats can attract votes in the Midwest.

Johnson and the farm lobby point to another issue that is ripe for a bipartisan compromise: infrastructure investment. Trump and both Republicans and Democrats agree that many of America's roads, bridges, hospitals and schools are in need of repair or replacement. The challenge is how to fund the initiative, particularly with falling tax revenue and a rising deficit.

Trump has floated an infrastructure plan that relies heavily on a modest federal investment spurring a windfall of private investment, but the White House has not attracted broad support for its concept.

More oversight

Lawmakers tasked with oversight of federal agencies are expected to increase investigations, including providing greater scrutiny of how Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is running USDA.

Trump administration officials have been dogged by allegations of conflicts of interest, misuse of taxpayer money for expensive travel and office renovations, and violations of ethics rules. Perdue has avoided those pitfalls, unlike other members of Trump's Cabinet, but House Democrats could hold hearings on questioning some of Perdue's decisions.

The USDA Office of Inspector General is already looking into the department's plan to relocate the Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture outside of D.C., after Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) filed a petition in late September that raised concerns about the lack of a cost-benefit analysis justifying the move.

Perdue has faced criticism for a host of regulatory actions, including withdrawing welfare standards for organic livestock production, and scrapping rules aimed at making it easier for contract poultry and livestock producers to sue meatpacking companies over unfair and anticompetitive practices. USDA plans to revisit the so-called GIPSA rules next year.

While House Democrats will scrutinize USDA's deregulatory moves, the few regulations the department has in the works on SNAP — one focused on tightening waivers for work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and another that would rein in broad- based categorical eligibility — are going to be extremely unpopular among the new House majority in the next Congress. There will almost certainly be attempts to block such moves, perhaps through the appropriations process.

The Agriculture Department also has come under fire for its handling of civil rights complaints, particularly at the U.S. Forest Service, where whistle-blowers have described a culture of sexual harassment and retaliation. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last month requested extensive information on reports of sexual misconduct and any actions the agency has taken in response since December 2016, when the panel held a hearing on the issue.

Liz Crampton and Helena Bottemiller Evich contributed to this article.

Peterson confident of lame-duck farm bill

Philip Brasher November 7, 2018

Rep. Collin Peterson expressed confidence Wednesday that a new farm bill would be enacted before the Minnesota Democrat regains the chairmanship of the House Agriculture Committee in January.

Peterson acknowledged that the four lead farm bill negotiators had several issues yet to resolve, including House GOP demands for tougher food stamp work rules. But Peterson suggested House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, has little incentive to block a deal in the upcoming lame-duck session after Democrats won control of the House on Tuesday, assuring that the committee gavel will pass to Peterson in 2019.

If the bill isn’t enacted by the end of the year, Congress will be forced to pass an extension of the 2014 farm bill, handling the writing of a new farm bill to a Democratic House that would be more likely to adopt amendments tightening payment limits or eligibility rules for commodity programs and crop insurance.

“I think we’re relatively close. I think we can work this out and get this done before this Congress adjourns,” Peterson said Wednesday of the negotiations.

He told reporters that Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue called him late Tuesday night and said he was looking forward to completing the bill. Peterson also said he had the full support of the Democratic leadership for finalizing a bill in the lame duck session.

In a White House press conference today, President Trump blamed Democrats for blocking progress on the farm bill, citing their opposition to the tighter food stamp work rules. The Democrats "just don't want to vote for that," he said.

The Trump administration is expected to release a proposed rule soon that could make it harder for states to get waivers from the existing work rules for participants in the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps. Peterson said he didn’t know whether that would give House Republicans sufficient cover to vote for a farm bill that doesn’t tighten the requirements. "Given what happened in this election I don't know what leverage they think they have" to win tougher provisions in the bill, he said.

As chairman, Peterson said he planned to move the Agriculture Committee into an oversight mode. One of the issues likely to get attention, he said, is Perdue’s plan to move USDA’s Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture out of the nation’s capital.

Peterson said his other priority as chairman would be to groom younger Democratic members of the committee to take over leadership when he steps aside. Peterson refused to say whether he would seek re-election in 2020. He said that the Democrats who will be added to the committee next are unlikely to have much background in agriculture.

“I get the indications from people that (Conaway’s stance) is going to change, but I might be wrong,” Peterson said.

The four farm bill negotiators, which include Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and the Senate committee’s ranking Democrat, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, all will be back in 2019. While Peterson held off a stiff challenge in his district on Tuesday, Conaway and Stabenow won re-election easily. Roberts is not up for re-election until 2020.

Peterson defeated Republican Dave Hughes by 52 percent to 48 percent in a rematch from 2016.

The negotiators are not expected to meet in person until lawmakers return to Washington next Tuesday.

Peterson said the negotiators have legislative text and cost estimates in hand for options to settle various disputes but still need to work out deals.

The negotiations have been taking place among Senate and House Agriculture committee staff members for the last several weeks. Peterson said the talks were moving closer to resolving a dispute between Conaway and Roberts over provisions in the House bill that would end payments on unplanted base acres to offset the cost of allowing farmers in some drought-stricken areas to modify the yield data used for calculating Price Loss Coverage payments.

A source familiar with the negotiations said the possible compromise could include some types of incentives for farmers who lose the payments on base acres they haven’t been planting to program crops.

Peterson said the negotiators also haven’t agreed yet on changes to the Conservation Reserve Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. The House bill would increase the cap on CRP enrollment from 24 million to 29 million acres, a personal priority for Peterson, but would eliminate the Conservation Stewardship Program, which has significant support in the Senate.

“There are still people that have heartburn with some of this stuff that’s being proposed” on conservation programs, Peterson said without elaboration.

For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com NCFC Co-op/PAC Report

FINANCIAL STATEMENT October 2018

Beginning Balance $ 74,445.00

Receipts Contributions from Individuals $ 74,835.00 Contributions from Federal PACs $ 48,500.00 Refunds $ 1,000.00

$ 124,335.00

Disbursements Contributions to Federal Candidates $ 111,500.00 Operating Expenses $ 1,363.29 1/3 Rule - Reimburse for Auction $ 5,133.33

$ 117,996.62

Ending Balance $ 80,783.38

2018 Disbursement List

Date Amount Committee Name State Election Period Party 1/30/2018 $ 1,000.00 TEAM GRAHAM INC SC Primary 2020 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,500.00 CONAWAY FOR CONGRESS TX General 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 2,500.00 TINA SMITH FOR MINNESOTA MN Primary 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 MARTHA ROBY FOR CONGRESS AL Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 TEAM MARSHALL KS Other 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 CRAWFORD FOR CONGRESS AR Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 GIBBS FOR CONGRESS OH General 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 MIKE GALLAGHER FOR WI Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 GRAVES FOR CONGRESS MO Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,500.00 GIBBS FOR CONGRESS OH Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 JIM COSTA FOR CONGRESS CA General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/5/2018 $ 1,000.00 DEB FISCHER FOR US SENATE INC NE General 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/5/2018 $ 2,500.00 FEINSTEIN FOR SENATE CA Primary 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/7/2018 $ 2,500.00 STABENOW FOR U.S. SENATE MI General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/12/2018 $ 1,000.00 PETERSON FOR CONGRESS MN General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/22/2018 $ 1,500.00 DEB FISCHER FOR US SENATE INC NE General 2018 REPUBLICAN 4/12/2018 $ 1,000.00 TREY FOR CONGRESS SC Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 4/25/2018 $ 2,500.00 HOEVEN FOR SENATE ND Primary 2022 REPUBLICAN 5/8/2018 $ 1,000.00 THOM TILLIS COMMITTEE NC Primary 2020 REPUBLICAN 5/8/2018 $ 1,000.00 KLOBUCHAR FOR MINNESOTA MN Primary 2018 DEMOCRATIC 5/8/2018 $ 1,000.00 SUOZZI FOR CONGRESS NY Primary 2018 DEMOCRATIC 5/22/2018 $ 1,000.00 HEIDI FOR SENATE ND Primary 2018 DEMOCRATIC 5/22/2018 $ 1,000.00 LUCAS FOR CONGRESS OK Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 5/23/2018 $ 1,000.00 DAVID ROUZER FOR CONGRESS NC General 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/6/2018 $ 2,500.00 TINA SMITH FOR MINNESOTA MN Primary 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/12/2018 $ 2,500.00 MARCIA FUDGE FOR CONGRESS OH General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/12/2018 $ 1,000.00 STABENOW FOR U.S. SENATE MI General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/15/2018 $ 1,000.00 YODER FOR CONGRESS, INC KS Primary 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/15/2018 $ 2,500.00 PETERSON FOR CONGRESS MN General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/15/2018 $ 2,500.00 MIKE BOST FOR CONGRESS IL General 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/15/2018 $ 1,000.00 MIKE ROGERS FOR CONGRESS AL General 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/15/2018 $ 2,500.00 KLOBUCHAR FOR MINNESOTA MN General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/27/2018 $ 4,000.00 JIM COSTA FOR CONGRESS CA General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/27/2018 $ 5,000.00 BOOZMAN FOR ARKANSAS AR PRIMARY 2022 REPUBLICAN

6/27/2018 $ 5,000.00 DENHAM FOR CONGRESS CA General 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/27/2018 $ 5,000.00 KURT SCHRADER FOR CONGRESS OR General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/28/2018 $ 1,000.00 BLUM FOR CONGRESS IA General 2018 REPUBLICAN 7/17/2018 $ 2,500.00 PETE AGUILAR FOR CONGRESS CA General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 7/17/2018 $ 2,000.00 FRIENDS OF GLENN THOMPSON PA General 2018 REPUBLICAN 7/20/2018 $ 2,500.00 RODNEY FOR CONGRESS IL General 2018 REPUBLICAN 8/30/2018 $ 1,000.00 FRIENDS OF BENNIE THOMPSON MS General 2018 DEMOCRATIC 8/30/2018 $ 2,500.00 BILL FLORES FOR CONGRESS TX General 2018 REPUBLICAN 8/30/2018 $ 1,000.00 TEXANS FOR JODEY ARRINGTON TX General 2018 REPUBLICAN TOTAL $ 77,000.00

2017 Disbursement List Date Amount Committee Name State Election Period Party 2/7/2017 $ 2,500.00 CONAWAY FOR CONGRESS TX PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 2/10/2017 $ 1,000.00 BOB CASEY FOR SENATE INC PA PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 2/28/2017 $ 1,000.00 TAMMY BALDWIN FOR SENATE WI PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/1/2017 $ 5,000.00 TEAM RYAN WI PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/13/2017 $ 2,000.00 PETERSON FOR CONGRESS MN PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC

3/13/2017 $ 1,000.00 COMER FOR CONGRESS KY PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/13/2017 $ 2,500.00 VALADAO FOR CONGRESS CA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/15/2017 $ 1,000.00 KANSANS FOR MARSHALL KS PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/15/2017 $ 1,000.00 CONAWAY FOR CONGRESS TX PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/16/2017 $ 2,500.00 CRAMER FOR CONGRESS ND PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/16/2017 $ 1,500.00 TIM WALZ FOR US CONGRESS MN PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/17/2017 $ 1,000.00 DAVID ROUZER FOR CONGRESS NC PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/20/2017 $ 2,500.00 JIM COSTA FOR CONGRESS CA PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 3/23/2017 $ 2,500.00 GIBBS FOR CONGRESS OH PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/23/2017 $ 1,000.00 ROBERTS FOR SENATE KS PRIMARY 2020 REPUBLICAN 3/27/2017 $ 2,500.00 RODNEY FOR CONGRESS IL PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 3/27/2017 $ 1,000.00 DEVIN NUNES FOR CONGRESS CA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 4/5/2017 $ 500.00 ROBERTS FOR SENATE KS PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 4/25/2017 $ 1,000.00 STABENOW FOR U.S. SENATE MI PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 5/2/2017 $ 2,500.00 LUCAS FOR CONGRESS OK PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 5/15/2017 $ 1,000.00 FRIENDS OF GLENN THOMPSON PA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 5/15/2017 $ 1,500.00 PETERSON FOR CONGRESS MN PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 5/15/2017 $ 1,000.00 FRIENDS OF CHERI BUSTOS IL PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 5/22/2017 $ 2,500.00 LOFGREN FOR CONGRESS CA PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/5/2017 $ 1,000.00 FEINSTEIN FOR SENATE CA PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/20/2017 $ 1,000.00 DAN NEWHOUSE FOR CONGRESS WA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN

6/20/2017 $ 1,500.00 DEB FISCHER FOR US SENATE INC NE PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/20/2017 $ 1,000.00 FILEMON VELA FOR CONGRESS TX PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/27/2017 $ 5,000.00 WALDEN FOR CONGRESS OR PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/27/2017 $ 1,000.00 GIBBS FOR CONGRESS OH PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 6/27/2017 $ 1,000.00 DONNELLY FOR INDIANA IN PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/27/2017 $ 3,000.00 DONNELLY FOR INDIANA IN GENERAL 2018 DEMOCRATIC 6/27/2017 $ 1,000.00 CRAWFORD FOR CONGRESS AR PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 7/11/2017 $ 1,000.00 NOLAN FOR CONGRESS MN PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 8/25/2017 $ 1,000.00 BLUM FOR CONGRESS IA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 9/14/2017 $ 1,000.00 STRANGE FOR SENATE AL PRIMARY RUNOFF 2017 REPUBLICAN 9/25/2017 $ 1,000.00 MARCIA FUDGE FOR CONGRESS OH PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 9/25/2017 $ 1,000.00 HEIDI FOR SENATE ND PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 9/29/2017 $ 2,500.00 HATCH ELECTION COMMITTEE UT PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 10/11/2017 $ 1,000.00 RODNEY FOR CONGRESS IL PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 10/18/2017 $ 1,000.00 STABENOW FOR U.S. SENATE MI PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 11/7/2017 $ 1,000.00 ANGUS KING FOR US SENATE ME PRIMARY 2018 INDEPENDEN 11/7/2017 $ 2,500.00 KURT SCHRADER FOR CONGRESS OR PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 11/7/2017 $ 1,500.00 FRIENDS OF JOHN THUNE SD PRIMARY 2022 REPUBLICAN 11/7/2017 $ 5,000.00 DENHAM FOR CONGRESS CA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN

11/7/2017 $ 5,000.00 BILL SHUSTER FOR CONGRESS PA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 11/8/2017 $ 1,000.00 MIKE ROGERS FOR CONGRESS AL PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 11/8/2017 $ 1,000.00 RICK ALLEN FOR CONGRESS GA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 11/13/2017 $ 1,500.00 WALORSKI FOR CONGRESS INC IN PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 11/27/2017 $ 2,500.00 MIKE BOST FOR CONGRESS IL PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 11/27/2017 $ 2,500.00 FRIENDS OF SHERROD BROWN OH PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 11/27/2017 $ 1,000.00 PRESERVING AMERICA’S - PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 12/4/2017 $ 1,000.00 BOB CASEY FOR SENATE INC PA PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 12/4/2017 $ 1,000.00 STABENOW FOR U.S. SENATE MI PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 12/4/2017 $ 1,000.00 BLAINE FOR CONGRESS MO PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 12/4/2017 $ 1,500.00 STABENOW FOR U.S.SENATE MI GENERAL 2018 DEMOCRATIC 12/4/2017 $ 1,500.00 PETERSON FOR CONGRESS MN PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC 12/6/2017 $ 1,000.00 DEVIN NUNES FOR CONGRESS CA PRIMARY 2018 REPUBLICAN 12/11/2017 $ 2,500.00 JIM COSTA FOR CONGRESS CA PRIMARY 2018 DEMOCRATIC TOTAL $ 100,500.00

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF FARMER COOPERATIVES NCFC CO-OP/PAC

SOLICITATION APPROVAL FORM

NCFC CO-OP/PAC is the political action committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. It helps make sure you have a strong and effective voice on legislative and regulatory issues affecting your cooperative and its farmer owners.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN BY FAX 202-626-8722 or E-mail to [email protected]

As a member of NCFC, I hereby authorize NCFC CO-OP/PAC to solicit voluntary contributions on behalf of its activities for the following calendar year(s) as indicated by my signature below. I understand solicitation requests will be directed to me and/or any other eligible personnel as I may designate.

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This form is not a solicitation. Federal Election Commission regulations require your prior written approval as a corporate member before we can solicit you or any of your eligible personnel on behalf of NCFC CO-OP/PAC. Your approval does not obligate you or anyone in your organization to contribute to NCFC CO-OP/PAC. It also does not limit your activities in support of your own PAC, political candidates or parties. Eligible personnel may include your executive and administrative personnel, stockholders/members, including directors, and their families. Approval may be provided for multiple years. A corporate member may approve only one trade association federal PAC per year. Contributions to NCFC CO-OP/PAC are strictly voluntary.

SUPPORT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF FARMER COOPERATIVES

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When you join NCFC you gain a powerful voice on issues affecting your business. Individual membership allows participation in exclusive events at the Annual Meeting and Washington Conference, including NCFC CO-OP/PAC auction and sweepstakes events. As a member, you will receive NCFC’s weekly e-newsletter -- the NCFC Update -- which is sent out every Friday and recaps the important events happening here in Washington and across the country pertaining to farmer cooperatives. Additionally, you will receive the NCFC Annual Report, updates on legislative and regulatory issues, and advance notice of NCFC meetings and events. To be eligible for individual membership, you must be an employee, director or farmer-member of an NCFC member organization. ------

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Return to: National Council of Farmer Cooperatives 50 F St. NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20001 Fax: (202) 626-8722 Committee Leadership & Elections

Government Affairs Committee Leadership Positions 2017-2018

Government Affairs Committee Chair: Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK Vice Chair: Autumn Price, Land O’Lakes, Inc. NCFC Staff Contact: Lisa Van Doren ([email protected])

Environment & Energy Subcommittee Subcommittee Focus: Environmental Regulations, USDA Conservation Programs, Energy, Climate Change, etc. Chair: David Salmen, Agtegra Cooperative Vice Chair: VACANT NCFC Staff Contact: Lisa Van Doren ([email protected]) and Kelsey Billings ([email protected])

International Affairs Subcommittee Issue Areas: International Trade, Trade Promotion Authority, Market Access, Export Programs, SPS Issues, etc. Chair: Rayne Thompson, Sunkist Growers, Inc. Vice Chair: Kevin McGilton, Riceland Foods, Inc. NCFC Staff Contact: Kevin Natz ([email protected]) and Lisa Van Doren ([email protected])

Fruit, Veg & Nut Subcommittee Issue Areas: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Specialty Crop Research Initiative, DOD Fresh, USDA Snack Program, TASC Program, etc. Chair: Rich Hudgins, California Canning Peach Association Vice Chair: Lorrie Merker, MBG Marketing NCFC Staff Contact: Mary Nowak ([email protected]) and Lisa Van Doren ([email protected])

Animal Agriculture Subcommittee Subcommittee Focus: USDA Dairy Programs, Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Animal ID, Competition/Packers and Stockyards Act, etc. Chair: Wally Knock, Agtegra Cooperative Vice Chair: Chuck Adami, Equity Livestock NCFC Staff Contact:) Kelsey Billings ([email protected]) Lisa Van Doren ([email protected])

Labor Subcommittee Subcommittee Focus: Immigration, Workplace Safety (OSHA, NLRB), Chair: Jackie Klippenstein, Dairy Farmers of America Vice Chair: VACANT NCFC Staff Contact: Mary Nowak ([email protected]), Kelsey Billings ([email protected]), Kevin Natz ([email protected]) and Lisa Van Doren ([email protected])

Food & Nutrition Subcommittee Subcommittee Focus: Food Safety, Food Labeling, Nutrition, etc. Chair: VACANT Vice Chair: Vaughn Koligian, Sun-Maid Growers of California NCFC Staff Contact: Mary Nowak ([email protected]) and Lisa Van Doren ([email protected])

Credit & Rural Development Subcommittee Subcommittee Focus: Credit, Finance, CFTC, Infrastructure (transportation, broadband, community facilities) USDA Rural Development, etc. Chair: Vicki Hicks, AgriBank, FCB Vice Chair: Caroline Rydell, Farm Credit Bank of Texas NCFC Staff Contact: Kevin Natz ([email protected]) and Lisa Van Doren ([email protected])

NCFC Priorities & Policy Resolutions NCFC 2018 PRIORITIES Numerous legislative and regulatory issues arise throughout the year, and NCFC will work to ensure the value of farmer cooperatives is recognized by Congress and the Administration. In 2018, NCFC will focus its efforts on key priority issues for farmer cooperatives, including:

1. Support the Capper-Volstead Act antitrust protections for farmer cooperatives and protect the rights of farmers to join or form cooperatives to market their products and improve their income from the marketplace. 2. Maintain Internal Revenue Code Subchapter T tax provisions for farmer cooperatives and promote favorable tax treatment for farmer cooperatives. 3. Support legislative and regulatory efforts that promote the Farm Credit System’s unwavering mission to provide credit and related services to the agricultural sector and rural America. 4. Maintain and promote farmer cooperative eligibility and access under USDA and other federal programs and initiatives. 5. Maintain support and funding for USDA farm bill programs consistent with NCFC principles. 6. Support immigration reform to meet agriculture’s labor needs and to ensure a dependable supply of high quality food and fiber. 7. Support modernization of U.S. transportation infrastructure to maintain and enhance U.S. agriculture’s global competitiveness. 8. Broaden support for enhanced U.S agricultural trade and increased market access. 9. Support efforts to ensure regulations implementing financial regulatory market reforms do not impair farmer cooperatives’ ability to use and provide essential risk management tools. 10. Support conservation programs and environmental regulations that are locally driven and based on scientifically and economically sound practices, recognizing the unique nature of farmer cooperatives and production agriculture. 11. Support efforts to ensure farmer-owned cooperatives, their employees, and the producers they serve are presented with affordable and varied options as part of any reforms to the nation’s health care system. 12. Support the development of a comprehensive national energy strategy that meets our nation’s energy needs and maximizes a role in energy independence for American agriculture and farmer cooperatives. 13. Support nutrition policy based on best available science and promote healthful consumption of meat, farm- raised aquaculture, dairy products, grains, and fruits, vegetables, and nuts, based on their nutritional value. 14. Support efforts to reduce economic uncertainty created by burdensome regulations, including those that are pending. 15. Support the development and use of technologies for efficient, safe production of affordable food, fiber and fuel.

1 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

NCFC 2018 Policy Resolutions

Legal, Tax and Accounting

Background: Farmer-owned cooperatives are central to America’s abundant, safe and affordable food, fuel and fiber supply. NCFC strongly supports public policy that continues to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative efforts to maintain and promote the economic well- being of farmers, ensure access to competitive markets, and help capitalize on market opportunities. The heart of farmer co-op policy lies with the protections afforded by the Capper-Volstead Act’s limited antitrust immunity for farmers and their cooperatives. Without those protections, many farmer cooperatives would cease to exist and the farmers and communities they serve would suffer irreparable harm.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Oppose any action that would limit the effectiveness and efficiency of farmer cooperatives and as such action would harm American agriculture and rural communities, resulting in a less reliable food, fuel and fiber supply. 2. Maintain Capper-Volstead Act protections and coordinate industry response to recent legal challenges regarding the scope and applicability of the Act. 3. Maintain Internal Revenue Code Subchapter T tax provisions for farmer cooperatives. 4. Ensure that the repeal of Section 199 and enactment of new Section 199A does not cause a tax increase for farmer cooperatives or their members. Promote tax and accounting policies that allow farmer cooperatives and their members to compete in today’s challenging marketplace and to pass on their operations to the next generation. 5. Monitor implementation of Uniform Law for Cooperatives.

Farm Credit

Background: The Farm Credit System is a cooperatively-owned network of financial institutions established by Congress to serve as the reliable supplier of competitively priced credit to U.S. farmers, ranchers, agricultural cooperatives, rural utilities, and other rural businesses. The cooperative structure of the Farm Credit System ensures that profits are returned to customer-owners through patronage distributions or are used to support new, mission-related lending activities.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Support initiatives ensuring that the Farm Credit System remains a reliable and competitive source of credit to farmers, ranchers, agricultural cooperatives and rural infrastructure.

2 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

2. Support the Agriculture Committees’ continued jurisdiction over the Farm Credit System and regulatory oversight by the Farm Credit Administration. 3. Support initiatives that promote the ability of farmer cooperatives to offer forward contracts and risk- mitigation tools to producers, particularly in times of high crop and crop input prices. 4. Support efforts by the Farm Credit System to modernize its lending authorities to reflect the changing rural and farm economy, including the development of new generation cooperatives, if such opportunities arise. 5. Oppose any action that would revise Farm Credit System tax provisions in a manner that would negatively impact customer-owners and the ability of Farm Credit institutions to build capital necessary to serve customers.

Agriculture Policy

Background: NCFC strongly supported passage and implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill to meet the needs of U.S. producers, ensure the long-term viability, health and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture, and to help meet domestic and international food, fiber, feed, and energy needs.

Additionally, NCFC is following closely the appropriations process in Congress. Programs that are authorized but never funded are of no help. Likewise, programs that are deprived during the appropriations process never reach their full potential.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Maintain and promote farmer cooperative eligibility and access under USDA and other federal programs and initiatives. 2. Maintain support and funding for USDA farm bill programs consistent with NCFC principles. 3. Support efforts to maintain a budgetary baseline, thus minimizing potential budget cuts, to ensure adequate funding for policies and programs to meet the needs of U.S. agriculture. 4. Maintain and promote a needed income safety net for producers, while helping to meet the food and fiber needs of consumers at home and abroad. 5. Support dairy policy that reduces extreme volatility and establishes a viable and effective domestic safety net for producers with a focus on protecting the operating margin experienced by producers as reflected by milk price and input costs. 6. Promote improved comprehensive risk management tools and programs for farmers, especially the Federal Crop Insurance program. 7. Support strengthening the specialty crop industry through viable and economical systems that enhance the value, ensure the safety, and promote consumption of specialty crop products. 8. Maintain and promote needed agricultural research.

3 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

9. Support policies that enhance the ability of U.S. farmers to produce food, fuel and fiber using technologies that are based on proven science, including biotechnology. 10. Support and maintain expanded pest and disease research programs, improved exclusion and eradication programs, and continue to protect the tools which are vital in these efforts. 11. Support correcting the current imbalance in the specialty crop industry caused by the USDA Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) which puts specialty crop farmers at a disadvantage. 12. Increase federal funding to protect against the introduction of pests at ports of entry. 13. Support federally authorized and producer supported research, marketing and promotion programs, commonly known as check-offs, which are established and approved in referenda by producers who fund the programs with their own money. 14. Support sustainable business practices through an integrated approach to economic viability, environmental stewardship and community well-being. 15. Support policies and programs that enhance the traceability of livestock for purposes of disease control and marketability. 16. Support the creation and maintenance of a vaccination bank or repository for use in time sensitive disease control.

Animal Agriculture

Background: NCFC supports animal agriculture policies that provide market transparency, reduce unnecessary government regulations, and increase availability of market information for livestock, poultry and egg producers. Federal policies must recognize the unique and important role farmer-owned livestock and poultry marketing associations play in the success of American agriculture and in providing farmers the best opportunity to compete in an increasingly challenging marketplace.

NCFC also continues to work with industry partners to improve communications among farmers, ranchers, processors, food retailers and consumers, helping people better understand the role animal agriculture plays in providing a safe, abundant food supply.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Support strengthening the livestock industry through viable and economical systems that enhance the value and ensure the safety of animal agriculture products, promoting consumer confidence. 2. Support policies that enhance the ability of cooperative members to raise animals for food and fiber consistent with best management practices, herd health objectives and available technologies based on proven science, are economically sound, and that ensure the safety of animal agriculture products. 3. Support policies that promote the responsible use of production practices by

4 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

producers in order to maintain the health of their animals and to continue to provide the American consumer with a high- quality source of protein. 4. Support the use of antimicrobials in an approved herd health program to promote animal well-being and to provide healthy and safely produced food for consumers. 5. Support policies to enhance business opportunities for livestock and poultry producers as well as their farmer-owned livestock marketing associations by providing the freedom and flexibility to engage in new market innovations. 6. Oppose federal policies that negatively impact farmer-owned livestock marketing associations by limiting the marketing options of the cooperative and its members. 7. Oppose activities and extreme policies that lack basis or scientific evidence and negatively impact the ability of farmer-owned cooperatives and their producer members to produce a safe and affordable food supply.

Commodity Derivatives

Background: As processors and marketers of commodities and suppliers of farm inputs, cooperatives are commercial end-users of over-the-counter derivatives (commodity swaps). Cooperatives use swaps to effectively minimize risks associated with price movements in commodities, such as grain, dairy products, livestock, energy, and fertilizer. In addition, swaps give cooperatives the ability to offer customized products to producers that help them better manage their risk and returns and, provide more predictable profitability.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Promote improved comprehensive risk management tools and programs for farmers. 2. Support efforts to ensure Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations do not impair farmer cooperatives’ ability to use and provide their members essential risk management tools. 3. Support the development of risk management products to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of fertilizers and other inputs.

Rural Development

Background: Farmer cooperatives have increased their presence in rural communities, and have a vested interest in the economic well-being of these areas. Their activities, earnings, and patronage dividends directly support the rural American economy. Federal policies must continue providing rural communities with the tools necessary to sustain and promote economic well-being.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Encourage and promote rural development, including through farmer-owned

5 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

businesses. 2. Strengthen programs to better enable farmers and their cooperatively- owned businesses to capitalize on new value-added market opportunities. 3. Maintain Value-Added Producer Grants, including farmer cooperative eligibility, and full funding. 4. Ensure USDA’s Cooperative Services is able to meet the needs of our nation’s farmer cooperatives by providing relevant and timely information, statistics and research in addition to effective program administration. 5. Ensure rural America receives equitable treatment in federal infrastructure investments, including expansion of broadband.

Labor and Immigration

Background: The agriculture industry faces unique employment needs and challenges, and the current H-2A guest worker program is unworkable. Production agriculture requires sufficient farm labor resources to continue to supply the nation and the world with high quality food, fiber and fuel.

For production to continue in this country, agriculture must be supported by federal programs that allow for their labor needs to be met. Federal policies now and in the future must recognize the unique nature of agricultural work and our international competitiveness issues that require access to a flexible workforce. Additionally, farm safety is of the highest importance.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Support immigration reform that meets the unique needs of all segments of agriculture, in terms of visa length and addressing agricultural workers currently in the country. Without immigration reform, the current H-2A process must be simplified and eligibility extended for non-seasonal workers to meet the needs across all of agriculture. 2. Support shifting the administration of agricultural worker visas from the Department of Labor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 3. Oppose mandatory E-Verify without a workable, legislative solution for agriculture’s current and future workforce. Oppose any efforts to exempt agriculture from the use of E-Verify which would likely lead to an increase in industry workforce audits. 4. Support efforts to ensure that immigration regulation and enforcement procedures, including by the Department of Homeland Security, do not impose unreasonable costs and over burdensome obligations on agricultural employers. 5. Support simplifying the methods for small seasonal employers to determine whether they are subject to the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act, and defining “seasonal employee” as a worker who is employed on a seasonal

6 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

basis for six months or less during the calendar year, consistent with Department of Treasury regulations. 6. Oppose Card Check legislation, recognizing that the card check procedure increases the risk of coercion by removing workers’ ability to cast a secret ballot regarding union organization. 7. Support responsible and cost-effective regulatory policies that provide a safe and productive work environment while promoting our economic competitiveness. Oppose federal efforts that do not adequately recognize the diversity of agricultural production and processing. 8. Oppose policies that unnecessarily diminish the ability of young people to seek employment in agricultural operations and related fields. 9. Farms with 10 or fewer employees should not be regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Energy

Background: NCFC supports an energy policy that maximizes a role for American agriculture and farmer cooperatives in energy independence. Farmer cooperatives are vital players in this country’s quest for energy independence and in ensuring that producers are able to capitalize on expanded market opportunities. Renewable energy sources, along with conservation, are important tools in securing a more affordable and accessible domestic renewable energy supply.

NCFC encourages passage of a comprehensive energy bill recognizing the contributions of the American farmer and rancher in the renewable energy industry.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Support legislative and regulatory action to meet U.S. and agriculture’s energy needs. 2. Promote expanded development and use of renewable fuels and other energy sources as part of a comprehensive energy policy to help meet U.S. agriculture and our nation’s energy needs. 3. Support a consistent and reliable policy of renewable fuels incentives and other provisions encouraging production of renewable fuels. New approaches to federal investment in the renewable fuels industry should encourage innovation and market stability. 4. Support voluntary policies promoting the development of technologies to further utilize manure as a feedstock to produce gas, fuel, or electricity, especially if these projects are cost-effective and provide an economic benefit to farmers and/or farmer- owned cooperatives. 5. Recognize the importance of, and continuing role for, traditional energy sources, especially for the agriculture industry and rural America. 6. Promote affordable technology advances for cleaner utilization of fossil-based fuel sources.

7 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

7. Support joint efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to investigate and minimize fraud and abuse in the generation and trading of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) used for compliance with the Renewable Fuels Standard.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Background: Improving our transportation infrastructure must be a national priority deserving urgent attention – sooner rather than later. Capacity constraints, structurally deficient bridges, deteriorating roads, and locks and dams long past their expected useful life require our full attention as a nation.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Support modernization of U.S. transportation infrastructure to maintain and enhance U.S. agriculture’s global competitiveness. 2. Support legislation to fully fund construction of new locks on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River System. 3. Support improvements in rail capacity, competition, service and accessibility in rural America. 4. Support expansion of key trucking routes on the interstate system. 5. Maintain and expand agricultural hours of service exemption. 6. Pass long-overdue trucking productivity improvements, including increased allowable weights for hauling agricultural commodities. 7. Support policies that promote the construction of pipelines in the United States to accommodate increased domestic energy production, improve the reliability and flexibility of our country’s energy delivery networks and to complement rail lines, highways and waterways. 8. Support measures that facilitate increased U.S. port efficiencies and policies that prevent port disruptions that cause economic harm to agricultural shippers and producers. 9. Support a streamlined review process through regulatory reforms of such laws as the Endangered Species Act to expedite improvements to existing infrastructure, avoiding unnecessary delays for long-awaited repairs.

International Trade

Background: NCFC seeks a level playing field for U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace. Market development and promotion programs are vital to maintaining and expanding U.S. agricultural exports, countering subsidized foreign competition, protecting American jobs and strengthening farm income. Accordingly, NCFC supports strong market development and promotion programs in pursuit of increased agricultural exports and the farm-level benefits they generate.

8 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

Additionally, over the past decade, the resources for both FAS and APHIS have come under significant pressure due to budget issues. This pressure has come at a time when competition in key foreign markets has only increased. These resources, including personnel and infrastructure, are extremely valuable in ensuring that overseas markets remain open and efficient for U.S. agricultural exports.

We recognize the benefits of multilateral negotiations. However, in the absence of an active multilateral round of trade negotiations, the U.S. should continue to engage in bilateral and regional negotiations to improve foreign market access for U.S. agricultural products.

Policy Resolutions:

1. The U.S. trade remedy law process should be strictly adhered to so as to maintain it as a viable tool for American agriculture. 2. Any renegotiation or modernization of existing trade agreements should maintain and expand upon previous gains in agricultural market access, while also making improvements to trade rules. 3. Support the negotiation of new free trade agreements, particularly with countries in Asia. 4. Support the negotiation of a comprehensive and ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership that addresses tariffs, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and other non-tariff trade barriers, including geographic indicators. 5. Market Access a. Maintain and expand U.S. agriculture exports and global competitiveness, including substantially improved access to foreign markets. b. Maintain and strengthen USDA Export Programs and funding; and ensure continuation of the branded program and current cooperative eligibility in the Market Access Program. c. Support increased market access for U.S. agriculture exports, including to Cuba. 6. Support enhanced resources for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in support of U.S. agriculture exports.

Conservation and the Environment

Background: NCFC is involved with a wide variety of conservation and environmental issues from implementation of farm bill conservation programs to pesticide registrations to wetlands regulations. While the issues vary, our principles remain: NCFC believes conservation programs and environmental regulations should be locally driven and based on scientifically and economically sound practices, and should recognize the unique nature of farmer cooperatives and production agriculture. Additionally, we work to promote the value of farmer cooperatives in the context of the growing dialogue about social

9 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

responsibility and sustainability.

However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has multiple, aggressive regulatory and enforcement initiatives underway that ignore the role of states and affect nearly every aspect of U.S. agriculture. Water quality, air quality, pesticide use, and climate change are all subject to major actions, and farms and ranches of all sizes can expect to be affected.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Promote environmental stewardship, recognizing the unique role that farmer cooperatives can play as a part of the delivery system relating to environmental programs. 2. Oppose environmental legislation or regulatory actions that cause adverse impacts to farmer-owned cooperatives and their farmer members, including increased costs of production, that hinder their ability to produce food, fuel and fiber for the world. 3. Support full funding for working lands conservation programs, including those that utilize voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices, in order to maximize conservation program benefits and better achieve important environmental objectives. 4. Encourage EPA to assist producers with implementation tools and guidelines to comply with the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations. 5. Support efforts to ensure access to critically needed crop protection products for agriculture. 6. Support Endangered Species Act reform to alleviate burdens on farmers and ranchers as well as impediments to infrastructure maintenance and repair. 7. Support efforts to ensure producers participating in cost-share conservation programs can engage in opportunities in environmental services markets. 8. Support implementation of science-based environmental policies while minimizing cost and regulatory burdens on farmer cooperatives and their member owners. 9. Oppose expansion of the jurisdictional reach of the Clean Water Act.

Food Safety

Background: America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to providing a safe and affordable food supply for consumers globally. NCFC urges that any actions by Congress be based on best available science and prudent risk assessment. American consumers need to have confidence that their food is safe and that the best science is being used to ensure that the most wholesome products possible.

Policy Resolutions:

10 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

1. Support food safety legislation and regulations based on best available science, and that are risk-based, commodity specific, and applied equitably. 2. Ensure food safety regulations enhance our nation’s food safety while avoiding negative impacts to farmer cooperatives and their producer members.

Nutrition & Labeling

Background: A large and increasing number of federal dollars are spent to ensure nutritious food is available for our nation’s individuals, families, and children who rely on federal nutrition programs. America’s farmers and ranchers supply the nation and the world with nutritious and wholesome food. NCFC urges that any actions by Congress to update or change nutrition policy be based on best available science and USDA’s Dietary Guidelines.

Policy Resolutions:

1. Support USDA food and nutrition programs and the continuation of USDA commodity purchases using Section 32 funds. 2. Support strengthening the Buy America provision in the school meals program to ensure federal taxpayer dollars are being used to support our domestic agricultural economy as well as ensure our children are being served safe, quality meals. 3. Ensure federal agencies are coordinating with USDA when determining food policy for their respective programs, including military service. 4. Encourage USDA’s food and nutrition programs to provide all forms of fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts as outlined in the Dietary Guidelines. 5. Ensure that federal nutrition policy is consistent with the Dietary Guidelines and encourages healthful consumption of meat, farm-raised aquaculture, dairy products, grains, and fruits, vegetables, and nuts, based on best available science. 6. Support the healthful consumption of higher fat content milk and milk products through federal nutrition programs. 7. Support the use of agricultural production technologies, such as the production and use of biotechnology, as long as they are proved safe and do not pose a risk to public health. 8. Support legislative and regulatory efforts to grant federal preemptive authority on all food labeling requirements, including: the formation of one standardized nutritional labeling system for food labels and grocery store shelf markers that is based on best available science and criteria that is public and readily available to consumers. 9. Oppose food labeling initiatives that conflict with science and increase food costs without achieving any substantiated benefits. 10. Support the reauthorization of federal child nutrition programs, recognizing the need for flexibility while building on advancements made to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food.

11 As approved by the NCFC Council February 8, 2018

Future Meetings NCFC Future Meetings Schedule

2019

2019 Annual Meeting February 13 – 15 • Westin Kierland • Phoenix, AZ Executive Council Meeting April 24 – 25 • NCFC Office • Washington, DC 2019 Washington Conference June 24 – 26 • Hyatt Regency • Washington, DC Executive Council Meeting September 18 – 19 • NCFC Office • Washington, DC Government Affairs Meeting November 13 – 15 • Omni Louisville Hotel • Louisville, KY 2020

2020 Annual Meeting February 11 – 13 • La Quinta Resort & Club • La Quinta, CA 2020 Washington Conference June 22 – 24 • Hyatt Regency • Washington, DC 2021

2021 Annual Meeting February 10 – 12 • Marriott Harbor Beach • Fort Lauderdale, FL 2021 Washington Conference June 21 – 23 • Hyatt Regency • Washington, DC Appendix - Additional Election Analysis Midterms 2018: Meet the Freshmen

Biographical information on the incoming freshmen in the 116th Congress

November 7, 2018

Producer National Journal Presentation Center Roadmap

Senate profiles

House profiles

2 Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) Background Prior to his 2018 election to federal office, Braun was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 2014 to 2017, when he resigned to focus on his Senate campaign. A lifelong Hoosier, Braun grew up in Jasper and attended Wabash College, then Harvard Business School. He is president and CEO of Meyer Distributing, an aftermarket vehicle parts distributor which he joined in 1981 and eventually bought. In his campaign, Braun highlighted his opposition to gun control and promised to push for an economic agenda of regulatory tailoring and tax simplification.

State Profile Biography Election Results State: Indiana First Elected: 2018 2018 General Status: Junior Senator Party: Republican Mike Braun (R) 52.9% Serving with: Todd Young Birth Date: 03/24/1954 Joe Donnelly (D) 43.2% Cook PVI: R+9 Education: MBA, Harvard College, 1978;Bachelors, Economics, Wabash College Family: Wife: Maureen; 4 Children: Jason, Jeff, Ashley, Kristen

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) Background Hawley was born in Lexington, Missouri and attended high school in Kansas City. He went on to attend Stanford University and Yale Law School. Following law school, Hawley clerked for the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and then the US Supreme Court. In 2008, Hawley joined Hogan Lovells, LLC as an attorney, and worked there for three years. As a litigator, Hawley argued before the Supreme Court as one of the lead attorneys in the Hobby Lobby case. He later went on to become an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Law, where he has continued to teach. Hawley is also the founder and president of the Missouri Liberty Project, an organization that aims to defend the US Constitution and fight government overreach. In 2017, Hawley became the attorney general of Missouri.

State Profile Biography Election Results State: Missouri First Elected: 2018 2018 General Status: Junior Senator Party: Republican Josh Hawley (R) 51.5% Serving with: Roy Blunt Birth Date: 12/31/1979 Claire McCaskill (D) 45.5% Cook PVI: R+9 Education: JD, Yale Law School, 2003-2006;AB, History, Stanford University, 1998-2002 Family: Wife: Erin; 2 Children: Elijah, Blaise

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) Background Cramer, a native of Kindred, North Dakota, was elected chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party in 1991, making him the youngest member of the Republican National Committee. During the 1990s, he worked for Gov. Ed Schafer as state tourism director and then state economic development and finance director. In 2003, Gov. John Hoeven appointed Cramer to the Public Service Commission, and he was elected to the position in 2004. In 2012, he was elected to the House, where he has served on the Energy and Commerce Committee and various subcommittees. He has expressed skepticism of climate change and thinks the Environmental Protection Agency often overreaches its authority. Cramer has voted against his party only 2.9 percent of the time, less often than House Republicans’ average of 6.5 percent.

State Profile Biography Election Results State: North Dakota First Elected: 2018 2018 General Status: Junior Senator Party: Republican Kevin Cramer (R) 55.4% Serving with: John Hoeven Birth Date: 01/21/1961 Heidi Heitkamp (D) 44.6% Cook PVI: R+17 Education: MA, Management, University of Mary, 2003;BA, Social Work/Pre-Seminary Studies, Concordia College, 1983 Family: Wife: Kris; 5 Children: Ian, Isaac, Rachel, Annie, Abel

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) Background Rosen was the first in her family to graduate from college, after which she worked as a computer programmer for several companies, including Southwest Gas Company, Citibank, and Summa Corporation. She and her husband went on to start a consulting firm. She was president of Congregation Ner Tamid, Nevada’s largest synagogue. Her 2016 House race was one of the closest and most expensive House races that year; she won by just 1 percentage point. In Congress, Rosen was part of the Armed Services and Science, Space, and Technology Committees. She was a member of the Congressional Arts, Asian Pacific American Caucus and Caucus for Women’s Issues. Rosen lives in Henderson with her husband and daughter.

State Profile Biography Election Results State: Nevada First Elected: 2018 2018 General Status: Junior Senator Party: Democrat Jacky Rosen (D) 49.7% Serving with: Catherine Birth Date: Unknown Dean Heller (R) 46.% Cortez Masto Education: Graduated, University of Minnesota Cook PVI: D+1 Family: Husband: Larry; 1 Child: Miranda

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) Background Blackburn was born in Laurel, Mississippi, and graduated from Mississippi State University with a BS in home economics. After graduation, she worked as a sales manager at Southwestern Company. In 1987, she became the owner of Marketing Strategies, a promotion-event management and consulting firm. Her first foray into politics was in 1998, when she ran for office and won a seat in Tennessee's State Senate. In 2002, she was elected to the US House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 7th district with 70% of the vote. In 2004, she ran for reelection unopposed. She is a Tea Party Republican. Blackburn occupied her position in the House up until 2018, when she was elected to Senate after defeating Democrat Phil Bredesen in the general election.

State Profile Biography Election Results State: Tennessee First Elected: 2018 2018 General Status: Junior Senator Party: Republican Marsha Blackburn (R) 54.7% Serving with: Lamar Birth Date: 06/06/1952 Phil Bredesen (D) 43.9% Alexander Education: BS, Mississippi State University, 1973 Cook PVI: R+14 Family: Husband: Chuck; 2 Children: Mary, Chad

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) Background Romney was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After graduating from a joint JD-MBA program at Harvard, Romney worked as a consultant at Bain & Company; he eventually served as CEO. In 1994, Romney ran for US Senate in Massachusetts. After losing to Ted Kennedy, he resumed work at Bain and became CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics. After successfully helping organize the Winter Olympics, he again ran for office, this time running successfully for governor. As governor, Romney helped develop and sign into law Massachusetts health care reform legislation that established near-universal health care access by providing subsidies and enforcing individual mandates. In 2006, he campaigned for the Republican nomination in the 2008 US presidential election but lost to John McCain. In 2012, he was successfully nominated to be the Republican Party's presidential candidate, but lost to Barack Obama in the general election.

State Profile Biography Election Results State: Utah First Elected: 2018 2018 General Status: Junior Senator Party: Republican Mitt Romney (R) 62.4% Serving with: Mike Lee Birth Date: 03/12/1947 Jenny Wilson (D) 31.5% Cook PVI: R+20 Education: JD, Harvard Law School, 1975;MBA, Harvard Business School, 1975;BA, Brigham Young University, 1971 Family: Wife: Ann; 5 Children: Tagg, Matt, Josh, Ben, Craig

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) Roadmap

Senate profiles

House profiles

9 Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ-2) Background Kirkpatrick is a former representative from Arizona's first congressional district. She lost her first reelection campaign in the 2010 midterms, but regained her seat in a close 2012 race. In 2016 she unsuccessfully challenged Republican Sen. John McCain for his U.S. Senate seat. She majored in Asian studies at the University of Arizona where she also received her law degree. In 1980, Coconino County elected Kirkpatrick as its first woman deputy county attorney, and then she later served as city attorney for Sedona, Arizona. After Republican Rep. Martha McSally announced she would run for Sen. Jeff Flake's open seat, Kirkpatrick announced she would run to fill the open second district seat, which encompasses most of Tucson.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Arizona First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick (D) 53.3% Southeast Arizona: Tucson, Birth Date: 03/24/1950 Lea Marquez Peterson (R) 46.7% Cochise County Education: JD, James E. Rogers College of Law, University Cook PVI: R+1 of Arizona, 1979;BA, University of Arizona, 1972 Family: Husband: Roger; 4 Children

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ-2) Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-9) Background Stanton worked as an education attorney and a deputy attorney general before representing the 6th district on the Phoenix City Council from 2000 to 2009. He served as mayor of Phoenix from 2012 to 2018, resigning to run for Congress. His House platform promoted working with local government to build up transportation infrastructure, keeping coverage for women’s preventative screenings and birth control, and creating a path to citizenship for immigrants.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Arizona First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 9 Party: Democrat Greg Stanton (D) 59.5% Phoenix Suburbs: Tempe Birth Date: 03/08/1970 Stephen Ferrara (R) 40.5% Cook PVI: D+4 Education: JD, University of Michigan Law School, 1995;BA, History/Political Science, Marquette University, 1992 Family: Wife: Nicole; 2 Children

Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-9) Rep. Joseph Neguse (D-CO-2) Background Neguse is an attorney and public servant who has spent the last several years leading Colorado’s consumer- protection agency. He is one of the youngest people to serve in a state Cabinet. He is the son of Eritrean refugees who fled violence to come to the United States 35 years ago. Both of his parents received naturalized citizenship in the past several years. After college, he cofounded New Era Colorado, the state’s largest youth-voter registration-and-mobilization group in Colorado. His work for this organization registered over 150,000 young people to vote and promoted progressive legislation at the state level.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Colorado First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Democrat Joseph Neguse (D) 60.3% Boulder, Fort Collins Birth Date: 05/01/1984 Peter Yu (R) 34.4% Cook PVI: D+9 Education: JD, University of Colorado, 2009;Bachelor's, Political Science/Economics, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2005 Family: Wife: Andrea

Rep. Joseph Neguse (D-CO-2) Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6) Background Crow is veteran Army officer who was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq and holds a Bronze star for his service. After returning from Iraq, he joined the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment and completed two tours in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Crow left the Army in 2006 and returned to Colorado where he became an advocate for the state’s veterans. In 2012, Crow advised President Obama’s reelection campaign on military issues and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in favor of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. Crow served five years on the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs and acted as co-chair for Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper's Veterans Affairs Transition Committee and Veterans for Mark Udall. He most recently practiced law as a partner at the firm Holland and Hart. He lives in Denver with his wife and two children.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Colorado First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Democrat Jason Crow (D) 53.1% Denver Suburbs: Aurora Birth Date: 03/15/1979 Michael Coffman (R) 44.2% Cook PVI: D+2 Education: JD, University of Denver, 2006-2009;BA, Behavioral Science and Pre-Law, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 1998-2002 Family: Wife: Deserai; 2 Children

Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6) Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5) Background Hayes entered electoral politics when Rep. Elizabeth Etsy announced her retirement following a sexual- harassment scandal with her former chief of staff. Hayes entered a competitive Democratic primary against Mary Glassman, a veteran of local Connecticut politics. Hayes won the primary with a commanding lead, having run a progressive campaign that emphasized her underdog story—she grew up homeless, was pregnant as a teenager and lived through economic hardship. Before entering politics, Hayes taught social studies in high school and was a National Teacher of the Year in 2016. Hayes is the first African-American Congress member from Connecticut and the first African-American woman to represent a New England state.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Connecticut First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 5 Party: Democrat Jahana Hayes (D) 55.9% Northwest: Danbury, Birth Date: 03/08/1973 Manuel Santos (R) 44.1% Waterbury, New Britain Education: Certified, Administrative Endorsement, State Cook PVI: D+2 of Connecticut Intermediate Administration or Supervision, 2015-present;Graduated, Educational Administration and Supervision, University of Bridgeport, 2013-2014;MA, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Saint Joseph, 2010-2012;Bachelor's, Southern Connecticut State University, 2003-2005;AA, Liberal Arts and Sciences; General Studies and Humanities, Naugatuck Valley Community College, 2000-2002 Family: Husband: Milford; 4 Children

Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5) Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL-15) Background A native of Florida, Spano worked as an attorney before serving as a Florida State Representative. While serving in the Florida State House of Representatives, Spano was the Chair of the Florida Human Trafficking Working Group. Spano supports ensuring that VA benefits will be accepted by any provider and argues for vocational education in middle and high schools.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Florida First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 15 Party: Republican Ross Spano (R) 53.1% Central: Lakeland Birth Date: 07/19/1966 Kristen Carlson (D) 46.9% Cook PVI: R+6 Education: JD, Florida State University College of Law, 1998;BA, History, University of South Florida, 1992-1994 Family: Wife: Amie; 4 Children: Kali, Vince, Caleb, Isaiah

Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL-15) Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17) Background A native of Sarasota, Steube served in the Army for four years, with one year as an airborne infantry officer and the following three as a judge advocate general. Steube’s public service continued when, in 2010, he was elected to the state House, then the state Senate in 2016. He is a proponent of repealing “gun-free” zones and reforming immigration policies, including building a wall along the Mexican border and an end to sanctuary cities.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Florida First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 17 Party: Republican Greg Steube (R) 62.3% South Central: Port Birth Date: 05/19/1978 April Freeman (D) 37.7% Charlotte Education: JD, University of Florida's Levin College of Cook PVI: R+13 Law, 2003;BS, Beef Cattle Sciences, University of Florida, 2000 Family: Wife: Jennifer; 1 Child: Ethan

Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17) Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL-26) Background Mucarsel-Powell was born in Ecuador and moved to Florida when she was a teenager. Prior to running for office, she was the associate vice president at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, the director of development at FIU, and most recently the president of DMP Associates. She has volunteered at several wildlife and coral-reef restoration projects in South Florida and the Florida Keys. Mucarsel-Powell was endorsed by Emily’s List, End Citizens United, Planned Parenthood, and the Sierra Club among others. She campaigned on a platform that included support for stronger gun laws and lower interest rates on federal student loans. Mucarsel-Powell lives in southern Florida with her husband Robert and her three children.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Florida First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 26 Party: Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) 50.8% Homestead and the Florida Birth Date: 01/18/1971 Carlos Curbelo (R) 49.1% Keys Education: Masters, International Political Economy, Cook PVI: D+6 Claremont Graduate University, 1994-1996;BS, Political Science, Pitzer College, 1988-1992 Family: Husband: Robert; 3 Children: Willow, Jude, Siena

Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL-26) Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL-27) Background Shalala was born and raised in Cleveland. During her career as a professor, Shalala was appointed by President Carter to serve as the assistant secretary for policy development and research at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Shalala became president of Hunter College, part of the City University of New York from 1980 until 1987 and then served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison until 1993. In 1992, President-elect Clinton appointed Shalala to be secretary of Health and Human Services, and she stayed in that role for eight years to become the longest-serving HHS secretary. Shalala then became president of the University of Miami from 2001 to 2015, before taking over as president of the Clinton Foundation in 2015. In 2008, President George W. Bush awarded Shalala the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Shalala has lived in Pinecrest and Coral Gables for 17 years.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Florida First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 27 Party: Democrat Donna Shalala (D) 51.7% Southern Miami and Coral Birth Date: 02/14/1941 Maria Salazar (R) 45.8% Gables Education: Graduated, History, Western College for Cook PVI: D+5 Women;PhD, The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University Family: Single

Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL-27) Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL-6) Background Originally from Boynton Beach, Waltz had a 21-year career in the Army. He worked on counterterrorism policy during the George W. Bush administration and served with the Green Berets. He also worked for the Defense Department. More recently, he has been a contributor for Fox News. He is CEO of the government-services provider Metis Solutions. Waltz ran on a platform of border security, affordable health care, and low taxes.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Florida First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Republican Michael Waltz (R) 56.3% Northeast: Daytona Beach Birth Date: 01/31/1974 Nancy Soderberg (D) 43.7% Cook PVI: R+7 Education: Attended, International Relations, Economics, Spanish, Virginia Military Institute, 1992-1996 Family: 1 child

Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL-6) Rep. Edward Case (D-HI-1) Background Case is originally from Hilo and has lived in in the state for most of his life. After studying psychology at Williams College, Case worked as a legislative assistant for Rep. and Sen. Spark Matsunaga. After law school, Case moved back to Hawaii, where he practiced land and commercial law before running for the Hawaii State House. In 2002, he won a special election to replace US Rep. Patsy Mink in 2002. In the House, Case worked with Republicans on numerous policy issues, supporting the Iraq War and being among 34 Democrats who voted to reduce the estate tax. Case ran on a similarly moderate platform in 2018, striking relatively conservative tones on national security and the role of government.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Hawaii First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 1 Party: Democrat Edward Case (D) 73.2% Oahu: Honolulu Birth Date: 09/27/1952 Cam Cavasso (R) 23.% Cook PVI: D+17 Education: JD, University of California, Hastings College of Law, 1981;BA, Psychology, Williams College, 1975 Family: Wife: Audrey; 2 Children: James, David; 2 Stepchildren: Megan, David

Rep. Edward Case (D-HI-1) Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA-1) Background Finkenauer grew up in Sherrill. After college, she worked at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and served on the board of Greater Dubuque Development. In 2012, Finkenauer began working as a legislative assistant in the Iowa House of Representatives and was elected to the chamber in 2014. In the state House, Finkenauer fought to make high-quality health care available to all Iowans and supported affordable education for all students. At 29, she is the youngest woman to be elected to the House of Representatives and the first woman to represent Iowa in the House.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Iowa First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 1 Party: Democrat Abby Finkenauer (D) 50.9% Northeast: Cedar Rapids, Birth Date: 12/27/1988 Rod Blum (R) 46.% Dubuque Education: Bachelor's, Public Relations/Business, Drake Cook PVI: D+1 University, 2007-2011 Family: Single

Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA-1) Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA-3) Background A fifth-generation Iowan, Axne grew up on the south side of Des Moines. She attended the University of Iowa and earned an MBA from Northwestern University in 2002. From 2005 to 2014, Axne held a variety of worked for the State of Iowa, holding a variety of roles. Before running for office, she was a small business owner, running a digital design firm. During her 2018 campaign Axne promised to raise wages, address unfair trade deals and protect the state’s unions. She also listed protecting public schools and passing a bipartisan immigration bill as campaign priorities. Axne is committed to maintain and improve the Affordable Care Act to lower prescription drug costs and ensure that people cannot be discriminated against for having a pre-existing condition.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Iowa First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Democrat Cindy Axne (D) 49.% Southwest, Des Moines Birth Date: 04/20/1965 David Young (R) 47.5% Cook PVI: R+1 Education: MBA, Business Administration, Management and Marketing, Northwestern University, 2000-2002;BA, Journalism, University of Iowa;Certified, Public Manager, Political Science and Government, Drake University Family: Husband: John; 2 Children

Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA-3) Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID-1) Background Russ Fulcher is a fourth generation Idahoan who grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian and has served for 10 years in the Idaho Senate. While employed at Micron Technology, Fulcher worked his way up from a production-line worker to director of sales and marketing for the manufacturing division. He conducted business in all 50 states and worked on-site in 36 countries. He served on the Senate State Affairs and Education Committees and was elected by his colleagues to be the Senate Republican Caucus Leader for six of the 10 years he served. Fulcher worked to pass the grocery-tax credit that offsets the sales tax Idahoans pay on groceries throughout the year.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Idaho First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 1 Party: Republican Russ Fulcher (R) 62.7% Western Idaho and Birth Date: 03/09/1962 Cristina McNeil (D) 31.% Panhandle Education: Certified, Energy Policy Planning, University of Cook PVI: R+21 Idaho, 2012;Ceritifed, Electrical Engineering, Micron Technology, 1993;MBA, Business Administration, Boise State University, 1988;BBA, Business Administration, Boise State University, 1984 Family: Spouse: Kara; 3 Children: Meghan, Benjamin, Nicole

Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID-1) Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) Background Underwood was born and raised in Naperville. She held a series of health care positions at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the NIH, and the Advisory Board Company from 2009 to 2010. From there, Underwood served in President Obama’s administration in the Health and Human Services as a policy coordinator and a senior advisor to the president. Underwood ran with three issue priorities: health care, jobs, and education. She ran on the platform of expanding Affordable Care Act protections, investing in small businesses to create more local jobs, and increasing affordable education, paid family leave, and equal pay. When asked about President Trump and the Mueller investigation, Underwood maintained that she would support legislation to protect the special counsel from political interference.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Illinois First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 14 Party: Democrat Lauren Underwood (D) 51.9% Chicago Exurbs: Kendall Birth Date: 10/04/1986 Randy Hultgren (R) 48.1% County Education: MSN/MPH, Public Health Nursing & Health Cook PVI: R+5 Policy, Johns Hopkins University, 2008-2009;BS, Nursing, University of Michigan, 2004-2008 Family: Single

Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) Rep. Jesus Garcia (D-IL-4) Background Born in Durango, Mexico, Garcia and his family moved to Chicago when he was 10. Garcia has been involved in public service since 1984, taking on roles as a committeeman for the 22nd Ward, an Illinois Senator for the 1st District, and most recently as the Cook County commissioner. His 2018 platform promoted investment in regional transportation, restructuring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to a strictly defined role that prioritizes enforcement against violence, and instituting a universal health care under a single-payer system.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Illinois First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 4 Party: Democrat Jesus Garcia (D) 86.5% Chicago: Parts of North and Birth Date: 04/12/1956 Mark Lorch (R) 13.5% Southwest Sides Education: BA, Political Science, University of Illinois, Cook PVI: D+33 Chicago Family: Wife: Evelyn; 3 Children: Jesus, Samuel, Rosa

Rep. Jesus Garcia (D-IL-4) Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL-6) Background Casten was born in Dublin, Ireland. Prior to entering politics, Casten joined Arthur D. Little in 1997 as a consultant in its energy practice. In 2000, he became the CEO and president of Turbosteam Corporation until 2007, when Casten founded Recycled Energy Development, an energy company with a focus on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. He has served as its CEO and president until he announced his congressional campaign in 2017. Casten has spent considerable time during the campaign talking about climate change and initiating a shift towards clean energy. He has also claimed that his priorities would be in defending the Affordable Care Act, expanding health-care coverage, and working to repeal the tax reform that passed in December 2017.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Illinois First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Democrat Sean Casten (D) 52.8% Chicago West Suburbs: Birth Date: 11/23/1971 Peter Roskam (R) 47.2% Wheaton, Palatine Education: MEM, Engineering Management, Thayer Cook PVI: R+2 School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, 1998;MS, Biochemical Engineering, Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, 1998;BA, Molecular Biology, Middlebury College, 1993;ME, Engineering Management, Tufts University;MS, Biochemical Engineering, Tufts Unviersity Family: Wife: Kara; 2 Children: Gwen, Audrey

Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL-6) Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN-4) Background Baird was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives since 2010 until his election after spending four years as a member of the Putnam County Commission. Prior to entering politics, he worked as a farmer and as a small businessman. Baird served as a first lieutenant in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he earned a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, losing his left arm in the process. In May, Baird won the 4th District primary by defeating two opponents in who had outraised and outspent him, making his victory a surprise for many political observers. Baird ran on a campaign emphasizing a balanced federal budget and pro-business policies.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Indiana First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 4 Party: Republican Jim Baird (R) 64.1% Western: Lafayette Birth Date: 06/01/1945 Tobi Beck (D) 35.9% Cook PVI: R+17 Education: BS, Purdue University;MS, Purdue University;PhD, University of Kentucky Family: Wife: Danise; 3 Children

Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN-4) Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN-6) Background Greg Pence entered politics when Rep. Luke Messer gave up his seat to run for the Senate. Pence beat four other Republican candidates in a crowded Republican primary, winning almost 64 percent of the vote. Pence ran his campaign on a pro-Trump platform. Pence’s younger brother is Vice President Mike Pence’s, who previously represented the 6th District for 12 years. Before entering politics, Pence served in the Marine Corps and also worked in business. He owns and operates several antique malls in southern Indiana. Pence worked as Rep. Luke Messer’s finance chairman during Messer’s bid for the Senate.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Indiana First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Republican Greg Pence (R) 63.4% Southeast, Muncie Birth Date: 11/13/1956 Jeannine Lake (D) 33.4% Cook PVI: R+18 Education: Bachelor's, Theology and Philosophy, Loyola University of Chicago;Master's, Business Administration, Loyola University of Chicago Family: Wife: Denise; 4 Chlidren

Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN-6) Rep. Steven Watkins (R-KS-2) Background A sixth-generation Kansan, Watkins grew up in Topeka. From 1994 to 2004, Watkins served in the Army, earning the rank of captain and serving as a qualified Airborne Ranger. After serving in the Army, he was an engineering and business consultant at Versar Incorporated. Watkins attempted to climb Mount Everest in 2015 when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, killing over 8,500 people, including six people from his team. During his campaign, he advocated for a strong national defense and emphasized that cybersecurity is a pressing issue. He supports military action in Syria, reducing the national debt, and protecting the Second Amendment.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Kansas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Republican Steven Watkins (R) 48.1% Eastern: Topeka Birth Date: 09/18/1976 Paul Davis (D) 46.4% Cook PVI: R+10 Education: MC/MCA, Public Policy Analysis, Harvard University, 2016-2017;Master's, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 2009-2010;BS, Engineering, United States Military Academy at West Port, 1995-1999;Certified, Project Management, Project Management Institute Family: Married (Fong Liu)

Rep. Steven Watkins (R-KS-2) Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-3) Background Davids grew up in Kansas and graduated from Johnson County Community College. In 2010, she earned a law degree from Cornell University. Davids is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, a Native American tribe in Wisconsin. Before running for office, she served as the chair of the board of directors of Twelve Clans and as a White House fellow in the Transportation Department. Davids believes climate change should be addressed immediately and that Kansas is uniquely positioned to capitalize on wind energy. Her campaign focused on an economic platform that included a tax cut for the middle class, incentivizing health care benefits for small businesses and creating a child-care tax credit. Davids supports the continued expansion of Medicaid and enabling Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Kansas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Democrat Sharice Davids (D) 53.3% Greater Kansas City Birth Date: 05/22/1980 Kevin Yoder (R) 44.2% Cook PVI: R+4 Education: JD, Business Law, Cornell University Law School, 2007-2010;BA, Business Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City., 2004-2007;Attended, University of Kansas;Attended, Haskell Indian Nations University;Attended, Johnson County Community College Family: Unknown

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-3) Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA-3) Background Trahan was born and raised in Lowell. She played Division I volleyball at Georgetown University. Her first job out of college was working for Rep. Marty Meehan, who represented Massachusetts’ 5th District. She eventually became his chief of staff and top advisor. After working in politics, Trahan started a business consulting firm with two other women. Trahan won the 10-person Democratic primary by less than 150 votes.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Massachusetts First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Democrat Lori Trahan (D) 61.9% North Central Birth Date: 10/27/1973 Rick Green (R) 33.4% Massachusetts: Lowell Education: Attended, Harvard Business School, 2013;BS, Cook PVI: D+9 Regional and Comparative Studies, Georgetown University, 1991-1995 Family: Husband: David; 5 Children: Thomas, Dean, Christian, Grace, Caroline

Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA-3) Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7) Background Born and raised in Chicago, Pressley attended Boston University from 1992 to 1994, but left school before graduating to support her mother, who had lost her job. After leaving college, she worked as a district representative for US Rep. Joseph Kennedy II, where she worked with senior citizens, veterans and people with disabilities in the district. She eventually became Sen. Kennedy’s political director and senior aid, and – in 2009 – she served as US Sen. John Kerry’s political director. Pressley was elected to the Boston City Council in 2009 and served until 2018, when she declared her intent to challenge incumbent Democrat Rep. Michael Capuano(MA- 07). She defeated Capuano in the Democratic primary and – facing no Republican challenger in the general election – became the first African-American woman to represent Massachusetts. Pressley has championed universal health care and called for the defunding of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and she stated on the campaign trail that ending sexual violence would be a priority during her tenure.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Massachusetts First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 7 Party: Democrat Ayanna Pressley (D) N/A Boston, Cambridge Birth Date: 02/03/1974 NO OPPONENT N/A Cook PVI: D+34 Education: Attended, Boston University Family: Husband: Conan Harris; step-daughter

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7) Rep. David Trone (D-MD-6) Background Originally from Cheverly, Trone and his family moved to a working farm on the Maryland-Pennsylvania border when he was 11. From opening his first store in 1991, Trone has gone on to be the co-owner of Total Wine & More, the largest private wine retailer in the US. Trone heads an American Civil Liberties Union advisory board and established a legal fund for local residents affected by the travel ban to several predominantly Muslim countries. Trone’s 2018 win follows an unsuccessful bid in 2016 for Maryland’s 8th District seat. He is a proponent of universal access to broadband for students, tying the minimum wage to inflation, and overhauling the bail and pretrial detention system to make it more equitable.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Maryland First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Democrat David Trone (D) 57.7% Western Maryland, Birth Date: 09/21/1955 Amie Hoeber (R) 39.4% Washington Suburbs Education: MBA, University of Pennsylvania Wharton Cook PVI: D+6 School of Business, 1985;BA, Furman University, 1977 Family: Wife; June: 4 Children: Michelle, Julia, Natalie, Robert

Rep. David Trone (D-MD-6) Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) Background Born in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Stevens is a native of the 11th district. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from American University, in Washington, D.C. Prior to entering electoral politics, she served as the chief of staff of the Treasury Department task force assigned to rescuing the auto industry after the 2007 financial crisis. Additionally, she served as a policy advisor to the Economic Development Administration. Stevens played a role in setting up the Office of Recovery for Automotive Communities and Workers and the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy. Outside of government, she worked on job training programs and STEM education initiatives in Michigan. Beating five other candidates in the Democratic primary, Stevens’ platform emphasized the cost of prescription drugs and a need to encourage manufacturers and researchers to relocate to the district.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Michigan First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 11 Party: Democrat Haley Stevens (D) 52.% Detroit Suburbs: Livonia, Birth Date: 06/01/1983 Lena Epstein (R) 44.9% Troy Education: Bachelor's, American University;Master's, Cook PVI: R+4 Social Policy/Philosophy, American University Family: Single

Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI-9) Background Levin won a contested Democratic primary against two candidates, one of whom, Michigan State Rep. Ellen Lipton, had secured the backing of EMILY’s List. Levin comes from a prominent Michigan political family. His dad, Sandy Levin represented the 9th district for over thirty years. Andy’s uncle, Carl Levin, was Michigan’s senior senator until he retired in 2015. Other members of the Levin family served in the federal judiciary in Michigan. Andy ran for Michigan Senate in 2006, losing a close election to Republican John Pappageorge. Prior to entering electoral politics, Andy worked as an attorney, as a clean energy entrepreneur, and in state government, where he helped to retrain Michigan workers for clean energy jobs.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Michigan First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 9 Party: Democrat Andy Levin (D) 59.6% Detroit Suburbs: Warren, Birth Date: 08/01/1960 Candius Stearns (R) 36.8% Royal Oak Education: JD, Harvard Law School, 1991-1994;MA, Asian Cook PVI: D+4 Languages & Cultures, University of Michigan, 1988- 1990;BA, Religion, Williams College, 1978-1983 Family: Wife: Mary; 4 Children: Koby, Saul, Ben, Molly

Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI-9) Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-2) Background Craig built a career as a newspaper reporter and was the head of global human resources for Saint Jude Medical. Craig was endorsed by former President Obama, Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, and several others. She campaigned on a platform of investing in education, health care, job training, and infrastructure. She supports a path to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival recipients, affordable college, and the Affordable Care Act. Craig lives in Eagan with her wife, Cheryl, and four sons.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Minnesota First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Democrat Angie Craig (D) 52.8% Twin Cities' South Suburbs Birth Date: 02/14/1972 Jason Lewis (R) 47.2% Cook PVI: R+2 Education: Graduated, University of Memphis, 1994 Family: Partner: Cheryl; 4 Children: Josh, Jonas, Jacob, Isaac

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-2) Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN-3) Background The heir to the Phillips Distilling Company liquor fortune, as well as the step-grandson of Abigail Van Buren (better known as “Dear Abby”), Phillips is a relative newcomer to politics. Before entering politics, Phillips also served in a number of philanthropic roles throughout the Minneapolis area as the chair of the Phillips family foundations and several other charitable enterprises. Phillips also was chair of Talenti Gelato until the company was sold to Unilever. Notably, Phillips most recent business ventures were two coffee shops that pledged to offer a $15 minimum wage for their employees. Phillips campaigned against incumbent Erik Paulsen’s support for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, though Phillips declined to back a “Medicare for-all” proposal. Phillips rejected corporate PAC donations and also pledged not to self-fund his campaign.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Minnesota First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Democrat Dean Phillips (D) 55.7% Twin Cities' West Suburbs Birth Date: 01/20/1969 Erik Paulsen (R) 44.3% Cook PVI: D+1 Education: MBA, University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management, 1998-2000;BA, Urban Studies, Brown University, 1988-1991 Family: 2 Children: Daniela, Pia

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN-3) Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-5) Background Born in Somalia, Omar and her family fled the civil war when she was 8, moving to a refugee camp in Kenya for four years before eventually settling down in Minneapolis in 1997. After college, Omar worked as a community nutrition educator and later became a Humphrey Policy fellow, serving as a senior policy aide for a Minneapolis city-council member. In 2016, she became the first Somali-American, Muslim legislator in the US, when she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Omar is a proponent of funding pre-kindergarten programs nationwide, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and automatically registering every 18-year old to vote.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Minnesota First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 5 Party: Democrat Ilhan Omar (D) 78.2% Minneapolis Birth Date: Unknown Jennifer Zielinski (R) 21.8% Cook PVI: D+26 Education: BA, Political Science, North Dakota State University;BS, International Studies, North Dakota State University;Policy Fellowship, University Of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs Family: Husband: Ahmed; 3 Children

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-5) Rep. Peter Stauber (R-MN-8) Background Stauber was born in 1966 in Duluth and played hockey from a young age. After suiting up for the Lake Superior State University team, he played for minor-league affiliates of the Detroit Red Wings before retiring in 1993 and returning to Minnesota. He co-owns the Duluth Hockey Company with his five brothers. He worked in law enforcement for over two decades, serving as the president of the Law Enforcement Labor Services Union, Local 363 and as a commander with the Duluth Police Department. He served on the Hermantown City Council for eight years before becoming a St. Louis County commissioner in 2012, defeating the incumbent. Stauber is a supporter of the 2017 GOP tax-reform bill and Trump’s actions on tariffs, and he is a strong opponent of abortion.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Minnesota First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 8 Party: Republican Peter Stauber (R) 50.7% Northeast: Duluth Birth Date: 05/10/1966 Joe Radinovich (D) 45.5% Cook PVI: R+4 Education: BS, Criminal Justice, Lake Superior State University Family: Wife: Jodi; 4 Children: Levi, Luke, Isaac, Addilynn

Rep. Peter Stauber (R-MN-8) Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS-3) Background Guest beat five other candidates in the race to replace retiring Rep. Gregg Harper, first in the Republican primary, and then in the runoff. Guest ran on a tough-on-crime and restrictionist immigration platform, pledging to end illegal immigration by building a wall on the US-Mexico border. Prior to entering electoral politics, Guest served as the assistant district attorney and then district attorney for Madison and Rankin Counties.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Mississippi First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Republican Michael Guest (R) 62.7% South Central Mississippi: Birth Date: 11/30/1953 Michael Evans (D) 36.3% Jackson Suburbs Education: Graduated, Law, University of Cook PVI: R+13 Mississippi;Graduated, Accounting, Mississippi State University Family: Spouse: Haley; 2 Children: Kennedy, Patton

Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS-3) Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC-9) Background Harris is from Winston-Salem and grew up as the youngest of five children. He served as a pastor in two churches before moving to Charlotte, where he became minister of First Baptist Charlotte and was elected president of the North Carolina Baptist Convention from 2011 to 2013. Harris led the initiative for Amendment 1, which banned same-sex marriage in North Carolina; the amendment was later found unconstitutional. In 2014, Harris ran for Senate but finished third in the primary. He then ran for the House in 2016, finishing narrowly behind Rep. Robert Pittenger in the primary. The two faced off again in 2018, and Harris beat Pittenger for the nomination.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: North Carolina First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 9 Party: Republican Mark Harris (R) NC Charlotte Suburbs Birth Date: 04/24/1966 Daniel McCready (D) NC Cook PVI: R+7 Education: Bachelors, Political Science, Appalachian State University, 1987;DD, Christian Leadership, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Family: Wife: Elizabeth; 3 Children: Laura, John, Matthew

Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC-9) Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-AL) Background Armstrong was raised in Dickinson and attended Dickinson High School. He met his wife at law school. Armstrong opened two offices for his law firm, Reichert Armstrong Law Office, and served as a volunteer fireman for the Dickinson Fire Department from 2005 to 2012. In 2011, he joined his family’s energy business, the Armstrong Corporation, as vice president. He represented the 36th District in the North Dakota Senate, chairing the Judiciary and Justice Reinvestment Committees. Armstrong also successfully ran as chairman of the North Dakota GOP in 2015. He sponsored a surge bill that funded infrastructure projects across the state with $2 billion and introduced a bill to solve the lake-bed-mineral crisis.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: North Dakota First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: AL Party: Republican Kelly Armstrong (R) 60.3% 0 Birth Date: Unknown Mac Schneider (D) 35.6% Cook PVI: R+16 Education: Bachelor's, Psychology, University of North Dakota, 2001;JD, University of North Dakota School of Law Family: Wife: Kjersti; 2 Children

Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-AL) Rep. Christopher Pappas (D-NH-1) Background Pappas is a restaurant owner and former New Hampshire state representative from Manchester, New Hampshire. His first entrance to politics was in 1996 when he volunteered for now Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s gubernatorial race while he was still in high school. He attended Harvard University and graduated in 2002 with a BA in Government. Following college, he returned to Manchester to help run his family’s restaurant. He is now the fourth-generation owner of the Puritan Backroom. Pappas served two terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2002 to 2004 and also served as a county treasurer and executive councilor. He campaigned on a platform that supports comprehensive legislation to combat the opioid crisis, expanding Medicaid, and implement environmental regulation. He received endorsements from both US Senators from New Hampshire, Planned Parenthood, and others.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New Hampshire First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 1 Party: Democrat Christopher Pappas (D) 53.5% Eastern New Hampshire, Birth Date: 06/04/1980 Eddie Edwards (R) 45.1% Manchester Education: BA, Government, Harvard University, 1998- Cook PVI: R+2 2002 Family: Single

Rep. Christopher Pappas (D-NH-1) Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) Background Sherrill graduated from flight school as part of the first class of women eligible for combat, and went on to serve as a helicopter pilot for the Navy. Before entering government, Sherrill worked in the litigation department of Kirkland & Ellis. Sherrill left that firm in 2012 to join the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where she rose to become a federal prosecutor as an assistant US attorney for the District of New Jersey. She launched her political campaign to replace 12-incumbent GOP Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, who announced his retirement in January. Sherrill ran on a platform of protecting the Affordable Care Act and rejecting corporate donations to her campaign.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New Jersey First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 11 Party: Democrat Mikie Sherrill (D) 55.6% North: Morris County Birth Date: 01/19/1972 Jay Webber (R) 43.3% Cook PVI: R+3 Education: JD, Georgetown University Law Center, 2007;Certificate, Arabic Language, American University in Cairo, 2004;MS, Global History, London School of Economics and Political Science, 2003;BS, United States Naval Academy, 1994 Family: Husband: Jason; 4 Children

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ-2) Background Van Drew is originally from Southern New Jersey and lives in Cape May County, where he was a dentist. He was a member of the state General Assembly from 2002 to 2008, then was elected to the state Senate, where he has served since. While in the New Jersey legislature, Van Drew voted against Democrats on raising the minimum wage and gun regulations, receiving an A rating from the NRA. His 2018 campaign focused on bringing manufacturing jobs to South Jersey and promoting tourism in the region. He also voiced support for comprehensive immigration reform.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New Jersey First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Democrat Jeff Van Drew (D) 52.% South Jersey Shore: Birth Date: 02/23/1953 Seth Grossman (R) 46.2% Atlantic City Education: DDS, Farleigh Dickinson University Dental Cook PVI: R+1 School, 1979;BS, Rutgers University, 1974 Family: Wife: Ricarda; 2 Children

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ-2) Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-7) Background Born in Poland, Malinowski came to America when he was six years old and was raised in Princeton. While at Oxford University, he was named a Rhodes Scholar. Malinowski served in several roles in the State Department and President Clinton’s National Security Council. He left government to work as the Washington director for Human Rights Watch. In 2013, President Obama nominated Malinowski as the assistant secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Malinowski ran on a platform of protecting the Affordable Care Act and its coverage for preexisting conditions, as well as the repeal and replacement of the Republican tax-reform plan.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New Jersey First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 7 Party: Democrat Tom Malinowski (D) 50.3% North Central Birth Date: 09/23/1965 Leonard Lance (R) 48.2% Cook PVI: R+3 Education: Attended, Oxford University Family: 1 Child

Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-7) Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM-1) Background Originally from Winslow, Arizona, Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo people. Her mother, a Native American, served in the US Navy and her father, a Norwegian American, served in Vietnam. She earned her BA in English and her JD in Indian Law from the University of New Mexico. In 2014, Haaland ran for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, but her party's nominee for Governor lost the election. Haaland was the Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico from 2015 to 2017. She has strong ties with the Native American community and is a single mother. Alongside Sharice Davids, Haaland is one of the first Native American women to be elected to Congress.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New Mexico First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 1 Party: Democrat Deb Haaland (D) 59.1% Central New Mexico: Birth Date: 12/02/1960 Janice Arnold-Jones (R) 36.4% Albuquerque Education: JD, University of New Mexico School of Law, Cook PVI: D+7 2003-2006;, University of California, Los Angeles, 2000;BA, English/Professional Writing, University of New Mexico, 1990-1994 Family: 1 Child: Somáh

Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM-1) Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-3) Background Lee is originally from Canton, Ohio. After college, Lee worked at an environmental-consulting firm in Massachusetts, specializing in water-resource issues. Lee moved to Las Vegas in 1993 and worked as a campaign policy advisor to Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones. During this time, Lee also founded After-School All-Stars, which is a nonprofit organization that provides after-school care for low-income students. She has also served as board president of Communities In Schools of Nevada, an organization that tries to prevent school dropouts, as well as the founding director of a crisis-intervention homeless center. Lee lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Dan, and their two children.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Nevada First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Democrat Susie Lee (D) 51.4% Las Vegas Suburbs: Birth Date: Unknown Danny Tarkanian (R) 42.9% Henderson Education: MS, Public Management, Carnegie Mellon Cook PVI: R+2 University, 1985 - 1990 Family: Husband: Dan; 2 Children

Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-3) Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-4) Background Horsford is serving his second, non-consecutive term as Nevada’s 4th district representative. He was first elected in 2012, after Nevada added another district following the 2010 census, then lost re-election in 2014. Horsford supports responsible gun control after losing his father to gun violence when he was 19 years old. Prior to his most recent election, he was CEO of the Culinary Academy and led Nevada Partners, the largest job training program in Nevada. Horsford served as Nevada’s first African American state Senate Majority Leader. While in the state legislature, Horsford authored and passed the Nevada Lands Bill to create jobs across the state. He also worked to pass the Clean energy Jobs Initiative to progress Nevada’s role in renewable energy. Horsford beat Cresent Hardy in the November 6 general election. Between terms, he ran his own small business.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Nevada First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 4 Party: Democrat Steven Horsford (D) 51.4% Central, Las Vegas Suburbs Birth Date: 04/29/1973 Cresent Hardy (R) 43.7% Cook PVI: D+3 Education: Graduated, Executive Development, Leadership Las Vegas, Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, 2002;Bachelors, Political Science, Communications, University of Nevada, Reno, 1997 Family: Wife: Sonya; 3 Children: Benjamin, Bryson, Ella

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-4) Rep. Max Rose (D-NY-11) Background Rose is the former Chief of Staff for Brightpoint Health, a non-profit healthcare organization that operates a health clinic, food pantries and substance abuse. An army veteran, Rose served as an active duty officer in Afghanistan from 2012-2013, and earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge. He serves in the National Guard, and is also Ranger-qualified. After his military service, Rose worked as Director of Public Engagement and Special Assistant to the late Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson. There he helped lead in the development of Begin Again and other criminal justice-related programs in New York City. Rose currently lives in Staten Island with his wife Leigh.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New York First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 11 Party: Democrat Max Rose (D) 52.8% Staten Island, South Birth Date: 11/26/1986 Dan Donovan (R) 46.8% Brooklyn Education: Attended, Oxford University;BA, History, Cook PVI: R+3 Wesleyan University;MSC, Philosophy/Public Policy, London School of Economics Family: Wife: Leigh

Rep. Max Rose (D-NY-11) Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) Background At 28, Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman to be elected to Congress. She unseated longtime incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley in a district that encompasses areas of the Bronx and Queens. Since her primary win in June, Ocasio- Cortez has become a progressive figurehead. She is a member of the Democratic-Socialist Party and promotes issues such as Medicare-for-all and an assault-rifle ban. While in school she worked for Sen. Ted Kennedy on foreign affairs and immigration casework for constituent families.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New York First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 14 Party: Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) 78.% Eastern Bronx, Northern Birth Date: 10/13/1990 Anthony Pappas (R) 13.8% Queens Education: Attended, Economics/International Relations, Cook PVI: D+29 Boston University Family: Single;

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19) Background Delgado, born and raised in Schenectady, was first elected to represent New York’s 19th district in November 2018. He grew up in upstate New York, the son of two General Electric employees. Antonio attended Colgate University, in Hamilton, New York, where he graduated with high honors and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. From there, he went to law school at Harvard, which is where he met his wife Lacey. Delgado and his wife live in Rhinebeck. They have two sons, Maxwell and Coltrane. Delgado, an attorney by trade, challenged incumbent Representative John Faso in a race that The Wall Street Journal and CNBC called a solid pickup opportunity for Democrats.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New York First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 19 Party: Democrat Antonio Delgado (D) 49.8% Northern Hudson Valley, Birth Date: 01/19/1977 John Faso (R) 47.6% the Catskills Education: JD, Harvard University, 2002-2005;MA, Cook PVI: R+2 Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Oxford University, 1999-2001;BA, Philosophy and Political Science, Colgate University, 1995-1999 Family: Wife: Lacey; 2 Children: Maxwell, Coltrane

Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19) Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) Background Morelle has been a member of the New York Assembly since 1991, representing eastern Rochester and other Monroe County suburbs. After the death of Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Morelle announced his intent to run for his friend’s vacant seat. Under New York law, the seat would be held open until the November election, in which the winner would fill the remainder of the term and continue into the next Congress. His campaign focused on expanding access to health care, including universal coverage through Medicaid and Medicare. He has also expressed strong support for the DACA program and the DREAM Act.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: New York First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 25 Party: Democrat Joe Morelle (D) 58.6% Rochester Birth Date: 04/29/1957 James Maxwell (R) 41.4% Cook PVI: D+8 Education: BA, Political Science, SUNY Geneseo, 1986 Family: Wife: Mary Beth; 3 children: Lauren, Joseph Junior, Nicholas

Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16) Background Gonzalez was born in Cleveland and played football at Ohio State, where he was an Academic All-American. From 2007 to 2011, he played for the Indianapolis Colts, though his role diminished after he injured his knee in 2009. In 2012, he signed with the New England Patriots but was released two months later, and he retired from football. Upon graduating, he worked as the chief operating officer of Chalk Schools, an education technology company. Gonzalez supports targeting pharmaceutical companies to combat the opioid epidemic and expanding technical education. He also supports Trump's plan to build a border wall and approves of Trump's economic policies.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Ohio First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 16 Party: Republican Anthony Gonzalez (R) 56.8% Northeast: Cleveland Birth Date: 09/18/1984 Susan Palmer (D) 43.2% Suburbs Education: Attended, Ohio State University;Master's, Cook PVI: R+8 Business Administration, Stanford University Family: Wife: Elizabeth

Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16) Rep. John Joyce (R-PA-13) Background Joyce was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania. After college, he earned his MD from Temple University and began work at Johns Hopkins Hospital, before becoming a naval physician at Portsmouth Naval Hospital during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After his time in the navy, Dr. Joyce returned to Pennsylvania, where he has practiced dermatology for 25 years. His 2018 campaign represented his first entry into politics. Joyce supports the elimination of property taxes for schools, Second Amendment rights, the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border, and the elimination of internet-purchase accessibility of opioids. He also supports preservation of access to Social Security and Medicare in his state.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 13 Party: Republican John Joyce (R) 70.4% Northeast Philadelphia, Birth Date: Unknown Brent Ottaway (D) 29.6% Montgomery County Education: MD, Temple University, 1983;Geaduated, Cook PVI: R+22 Biology, Pennsylvania State University Park, 1977- 1979;Attended, Pennsylvania State Altoona, 1975-1977 Family: Wife: Alice; 3 Children

Rep. John Joyce (R-PA-13) Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) Background Reschenthaler was raised in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and attended Penn State: The Behrend College for his undergraduate degree. He continued his education at Duquesne University, where he earned his J.D. Afterwards, he joined the Navy as a Judge Advocate General, where he worked as an attorney in Baghdad. Outside of his military service, Reschenthaler worked in a private practice in Mt. Lebanon and was later elected Magisterial District Judge for Allegheny County from 2013 to 2015. In 2015, he went on to serve as a Pennsylvania State Senate. As a State Senator, he sponsored a bill to end sanctuary cities, and campaigned on bringing immigration reform to the US Congress. Prior to his 2018 win in Pennsylvania’s 14th district, he was a candidate in the 2018 special election for Pennsylvania’s 18th district.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 14 Party: Republican Guy Reschenthaler (R) 58.% Pittsburgh Birth Date: 04/01/1983 Bibie Boerio (D) 42.% Cook PVI: R+14 Education: Graduated, Pennsylvania State University at Behrend;JD, Duquesne University School of Law Family: Unknown

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA-17) Background Born in Washington, DC and raised in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Lamb served as a captain in the US Marine Corps. As a Judge Advocate General Officer for the Marine Corps Reserve, he prosecuted and convicted a Marine officer who had lied under oath during a military trial involving sexual misconduct. He went on to serve as an assistant US Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, where he pursued aggressive prosecutions involving opioid-related deaths, violent crimes and drug and gun trafficking. Lamb entered the national spotlight when he won a closely-watched special election in PA's eighteenth district in March 2018. He announced he would run in PA-17 for the 2018 general election after redistricting in the state caused his incumbent 18th district to lean more Republican.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 17 Party: Democrat Conor Lamb (D) 56.1% Scranton, Wilkes-Barre Birth Date: 06/27/1984 Keith Rothfus (R) 43.9% Cook PVI: R+3 Education: Graduated, University of Pennsylvania Law School, 2009;Graduated, University of Pennsylvania, 2006 Family: Unknown

Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA-17) Rep. Madeleine Dean Cunnane (D-PA-4) Background Dean is a trial lawyer and professor from Glenside. Early in her career, she was a trial lawyer in Philadelphia and an assistant professor of English at La Salle University. She began her political career campaigning for local Democrats and was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012. As a member of the Pennsylvania House, she pushed progressive priorities such as public education, access to health care, gun control, and criminal justice reform. Following the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, Rep. Dean founded and is co- chair of the PA SAFE Caucus, a coalition of legislators and advocates dedicated to passing gun control regulation in Pennsylvania.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 4 Party: Democrat Madeleine Dean Cunnane (D) 63.4% Harrisburg, York Birth Date: 06/06/1959 Daniel David (R) 36.6% Cook PVI: D+7 Education: JD, School of Law, Widener University, 1984;BA, La Salle University, 1981;Attended, Montgomery County Community College;Attending, Fels Institute of Government Family: Husband: PJ; 3 Children: Patrick, Harry, Alex

Rep. Madeleine Dean Cunnane (D-PA-4) Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-PA-5) Background Scanlon began her career in public service at the Support Center for Child Advocates, representing children who had been neglected or suffered abuse. From 2007 to 2015, she was an elected member of the Wallingford- Swarthmore School Board, during which time she led a tax commission aimed at improving school funding. In 2017, she became co-chair of the Voting Rights Task Force of the Association of Pro Bono Counsel, which was formed to combat voter suppression and gerrymandering. Her House campaign focused on fighting gun violence through "common sense" gun reform, and strengthening workplace protections for women.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 5 Party: Democrat Mary Scanlon (D) 65.1% North Central: State College Birth Date: 08/01/1959 Pearl Kim (R) 34.9% Cook PVI: D+13 Education: Graduated, Colgate University;JD, University of Pennsylvania Family: Husband: Mark; 3 Children: Casey, Daniel, Matthew

Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-PA-5) Rep. Christina Houlahan (D-PA-6) Background Houlahan began her career in the Air Force as a captain. Following her military service, she served as COO of AND1 Basketball, a major apparel and footwear brand. She was also COO and founder of B-Lab, a nonprofit organization that promotes socially conscious business practices and B corporations. In addition, she served as president and COO/CFO for a childhood-literacy nonprofit in Philadelphia. Houlahan received a BS from Stanford University with an ROTC scholarship in engineering and an MS from MIT in technology and policy. The first-time congressional candidate won the redrawn district vacated by Republican Ryan Costello, who did not seek reelection.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Democrat Christina Houlahan (D) 58.8% Southeast: Chester County Birth Date: 06/05/1967 Gregory McCauley (R) 41.2% Cook PVI: D+2 Education: MS, Technology and Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1992-1994;BS, Industrial Engineering, Stanford University, 1985-1989 Family: Husband: Bart; 2 Children: Molly, Carly

Rep. Christina Houlahan (D-PA-6) Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA-7) Background Wild is a former private lawyer and city solicitor from Allentown, in eastern Pennsylvania. Wild received a BA in political science and psychology from American University and a JD from George Washington University. She has been selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer every year since 2010 and was named to the list of Top 50 Women Lawyers in Pennsylvania in 2013. Wild was endorsed by both former President Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, as well as by EMILY’s List, the Human Rights Campaign, and the League of Conservation Voters. She campaigned on a platform supporting US participation in the Paris Climate Agreement, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and providing a path to citizenship for Dreamers.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 7 Party: Democrat Susan Wild (D) 54.1% Philadelphia Suburbs: Birth Date: 06/01/1957 Martin Nothstein (R) 42.8% Delaware County Education: JD, George Washington University, 1979- Cook PVI: D+1 1982;BA, Political Science/Psychology, American University, 1974-1978 Family: 2 Children: Clay, Aggie

Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA-7) Rep. Daniel Meuser (R-PA-9) Background Meuser was born in Flushing, New York, and attended the New York Maritime University before transferring to Cornell University. He began his career as an executive at Pride Mobility Products; during his time there, the company saw $400 million in sales. Meuser entered politics in 2008, when he was a candidate for the GOP nomination in Pennsylvania's 10th district. He lost that primary, but served as PA Secretary of Revenue under governor Tom Corbett from 2011-15. In this position, Meuser oversaw the growth of the Pennsylvania Lottery, which generates $1.1 billion in revenue every year. In 2018, he defeated Democrat Denny Wolff to become the representative of Pennsylvania's 9th district. He supports Second Amendment rights, President Trump's America First policy and cutting taxes. He is also pro-life.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Pennsylvania First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 9 Party: Republican Daniel Meuser (R) 59.9% South Central: Altoona Birth Date: 02/10/1964 Dennis Wolff (D) 40.1% Cook PVI: R+14 Education: Attended, Cornell University;Attended, New York Maritime University Family: Wife: Shelley; 3 Children: Caroline, Jacqueline, Daniel

Rep. Daniel Meuser (R-PA-9) Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC-1) Background Cunningham studied Ocean Engineering as an undergraduate, and earned his law degree from Northern Kentucky University. After graduating, he clerked for Boone County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s in Cincinnati. Currently, he is an Associate at Lyles & Lyles, where he specializes in construction litigation, personal injury defense and insurance defense. He also co-owns Soul Yoga + Wellness. During his political campaign, he committed to fundraising without the help of any political action committees or special interest groups, and promised to limit himself to three terms in office, should he win the race. His campaign priorities included ending offshore drilling, reducing the cost of healthcare, conserving the environment, promoting equal pay for women, and passing the Equality Act.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: South Carolina First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 1 Party: Democrat Joe Cunningham (D) 50.7% The Lowcountry: Birth Date: 05/26/1982 Katherine Arrington (R) 49.3% Charleston, Hilton Head Education: JD, Law, Northern Kentucky University Cook PVI: R+10 Salmon P. Chase College of Law, 2011-2014;BS, Ocean Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, 2002- 2005;Attended, General Studies, College of Charleston, 2000-2002 Family: Wife: Amanda

Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC-1) Rep. William Timmons (R-SC-4) Background Timmons is a Greenville native who received his MA and JD from the University of South Carolina. After graduating from law school, he worked for the 13th Circuit Solicitor's office for four years, during which time he prosecuted a range of crimes, from murders to white-collar crimes. Before his 2018 House run, which was his first for federal office, Timmons served as a member of the South Carolina Senate. He supports efforts to increase government transparency. He also supports protecting the Second Amendment, strengthening the US military, and promoting alternatives to abortion, as he is pro-life. He also supports President Trump's plans to build a wall along the US border with Mexico, eliminate sanctuary cities, and stop chain migration.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: South Carolina First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 4 Party: Republican William Timmons (R) 59.7% Greenville, Spartanburg Birth Date: 04/30/1984 Brandon Brown (D) 36.6% Cook PVI: R+15 Education: JD, Law, University of South Carolina School of Law, 2008-2010;MS, International Studies, University of South Carolina at Columbia, 2007-2009;BA, International Affairs/Political Science, The George Washington University, 2002-2006 Family: Single

Rep. William Timmons (R-SC-4) Rep. Dustin Johnson (R-SD-AL) Background “Dusty” Johnson was born in Pierre, South Dakota, and split his childhood between Pierre and Fort Pierre. After earning a BA in political science and an MPA in public administration, Johnson worked for the Office of the Republican Party in Mitchell, SD before being elected chairman of the Public Utilities Commissioner. After a six- year tenure, Johnson went on to become chief of staff for Governor Daugaard (R) from 2011-2014. After spending more than a decade in state government, Johnson became the Vice President of Vantage Point Solutions, a telecommunications engineering and consulting firm. Johnson currently resides in Mitchell with his wife Jacquelyn and three children.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: South Dakota First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: AL Party: Republican Dustin Johnson (R) 60.3% 0 Birth Date: 09/30/1976 Tim Bjorkman (D) 36.% Cook PVI: R+14 Education: MPA, Public Administration, University of Kansas, 2000-2001;BA, Political Science, University of South Dakota, 1995-1999 Family: Wife: Jacquelyn; 3 Children: Max, Benjamin, Owen

Rep. Dustin Johnson (R-SD-AL) Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN-2) Background Originally from Knoxville, Burchett attended Bearden High School before attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he received his BS in education. In 1994, Burchett was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives before becoming a state senator in 1999, a position he held until 2010. He focused on cutting taxes and limiting government spending during his time in the state legislature, and has fought against property tax increases in his county. Beginning in 2010, Burchett served as mayor of Knox County; his second term ended on Sept. 1, 2018.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Tennessee First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Republican Tim Burchett (R) 65.8% East: Knoxville Birth Date: 08/25/1964 Renee Hoyos (D) 33.2% Cook PVI: R+20 Education: BS, Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Family: Wife: Kelly; 1 Child: Isabel

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN-2) Rep. John Rose (R-TN-6) Background Rose is the president of Boson Software, LLC. After his graduation, Rose co-founded a company called Transgender Corp. before becoming president of Boson Software. He has served as Commissioner of Agriculture for Tennessee since 2002 and has also chaired the Tennessee State Fair Association since 2010. Rose’s campaign has largely focused on securing borders and repealing the ACA. He is the eighth generation in his family farm in DeKalb County.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Tennessee First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Republican John Rose (R) 69.5% Middle: Nashville Suburbs, Birth Date: 02/23/1965 Dawn Barlow (D) 28.3% Cookeville Education: Attended, Agriculture, Tennessee Cook PVI: R+24 Technological University;JD, Vanderbilt University;MS, Agricultural Economics, Purdue University Family: Wife: Chelsea; 1 Child

Rep. John Rose (R-TN-6) Rep. Mark Green (R-TN-7) Background Green is a member of the Tennessee State Senate as a Republican. Originally from Ashland City, Tennessee, he attended the US Military Academy at West Point. Following his time at West Point, Green served in the US army as an infantry officer, battalion personnel officer and airborne rifle company commander. Green went on to attend Wright State University where he earned an M.D., and later became a flight surgeon in the Army. Green served in the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War, as well as participating in the military operation that captured Saddam Hussein. He has earned numerous military awards, including the Bronze Star and The Air Medal. Green authored a book about his experience interrogating Hussein, called A Night with Saddam. Following his military service, he founded Align MD, a company that provides staffing to hospitals across ten states. In 2012, Green was elected to the Tennessee state Senate and was later nominated to serve as the US Secretary of the Army by Donald Trump, although he withdrew his name.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Tennessee First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 7 Party: Republican Mark Green (R) 66.8% Middle: Nashville Suburbs, Birth Date: 11/08/1964 Justin Kanew (D) 32.1% Clarksville Education: MD, Wright State University, Boonshoft School Cook PVI: R+20 of Medicine, 1995-1999;MC, University of Southern California, Fort Knox, KY Satellite:, 1989;MA, Information Systems, University of Southern California, 1986-1987;BS, Quantitative Business Management, United States Military Academy at West Point, 1982-1986 Family: Wife: Camilla; 2 Children: Alexa, Mitchell

Rep. Mark Green (R-TN-7) Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) Background A third generation Texan from El Paso, Texas, Escobar grew up on her family's dairy farm with her parents and four brothers. After graduating, Escobar taught Chicano literature at the University of Texas at El Paso. She served as County Judge for El Paso County Court and resigned to run for Congress in 2018. Key aspects of her platform include expanding health care access, improving cross-border trade, and passing immigration reform. Escobar would be the first Latina elected to Congress from Texas and is married with two children.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 16 Party: Democrat Veronica Escobar (D) 68.4% El Paso Birth Date: Unknown Rick Seeberger (R) 27.1% Cook PVI: D+17 Education: BA, University of Texas at El Paso; MA, New York University Family: Husband: Michael; 2 Children: Cristian, Eloisa

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-2) Background Crenshaw was a Navy SEAL for ten years before running for Congress. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he lost his right eye in an IED attack. Before joining the Navy through the Tufts University ROTC program, Crenshaw grew up in the Houston area and also lived in Ecuador and Colombia. After medically retiring from the Navy in 2016, Crenshaw attended Harvard's Kennedy School, from which he received a Masters in Public Administration, and also worked as a military legislative assistant for Rep. Pete Sessions. In 2018, Crenshaw ran on a platform of national security, economic issues, and Second Amendment rights. Crenshaw has also been outspoken about his vision for the Republican Party and conservative movement, advocating for a more diverse party membership.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Republican Dan Crenshaw (R) 53.% West Houston and Birth Date: 03/14/1984 Todd Litton (D) 45.4% Northern Suburbs Education: Master's, Public Administration, Harvard Cook PVI: R+11 Kennedy School of Government, 2016-2017;Bachelor's, International Relations and Affairs, Tufts University, 2006 (GPA: 3.4) Family: Wife: Tara

Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-2) Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21) Background Roy received a BA in commerce and an MS in management information systems from the University of Virginia. After graduating from the University of Texas' law school, he served as a federal prosecutor. Roy has worked in top leadership roles for many Texas elected officials. Most significantly, he served as Chief of Staff to Ted Cruz and senior advisor to Rick Perry. After working in the public sector, Roy joined the Texas Public Policy Foundation as its Vice President of Strategy. In 2018, Roy ran on a conservative platform, supporting stepped-up border security and stronger gun rights, as well as defunding the Affordable Care Act.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 21 Party: Republican Chip Roy (R) 50.3% Parts of Austin and San Birth Date: 08/01/1972 Joseph Kopser (D) 47.5% Antonio Education: BS, Commerce, University of Virginia;JD, Cook PVI: R+10 University of Texas;MS, Management Information Systems, University of Virginia Family: Spouse: Carrah; 2 Children: Charlie, Virginia

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21) Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) Background Garcia has a BA from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, a JD from Texas Southern University and a masters degree in Social Work from Texas Woman’s University. She began her political career as the Houston city controller and later served as the commissioner of Harris county. In 2013, she was elected to the Texas State Senate as a representative for the sixth district in a special election. Garcia was named Humanitarian of the Year by the National Conference of Communities and Justice and is included in Houston’s 25 Power People. She campaigned on expanding the Affordable Care Act and improving women’s health care.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 29 Party: Democrat Sylvia Garcia (D) 75.1% East Houston and Pasadena Birth Date: 09/06/1950 Phillip Aronoff (R) 23.9% Cook PVI: D+19 Education: JD, Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, 1975-1978;Graduated, Social Work, Texas Woman's University Family: Single

Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX-3) Background Taylor was born in Dallas and later moved to Plano. After getting his undergraduate degree from Harvard, Taylor commissioned in the Marine Corps. Later, Taylor joined the Reserves while earning his MBA from Harvard. Following the September 11th attack, Taylor decided to continue to serve and deployed to Iraq, earning the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor. Taylor also went on to work in real estate finance as well as serving as Vice Chairman of Texas Gulf Bancshares. Prior to becoming the representative for Texas’ 3rd district, he served in the Texas State House and Texas State Senate. He is a proponent of increased border patrol rights, including the right to defend themselves, and lowering taxes, including requiring the first line of every bill stating if taxes will be affected.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Republican Van Taylor (R) 54.3% Dallas Suburbs: Plano Birth Date: 08/01/1972 Lorie Burch (D) 44.2% Cook PVI: R+13 Education: MBA, Leadership, Harvard Business School, 1999-2001;AB, History, Harvard University, 1992-1995 Family: Wife: Anne; 3 Children: Laura, Helen, Susie

Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX-3) Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX-32) Background Allred is a former professional football player and civil rights attorney. He has a BA from Baylor University and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley. He played as a linebacker on the Tennessee Titans for four seasons. Following his career in the NFL, he worked as a legal assistant for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Allred returned to Dallas and worked as a private attorney protecting voters rights. He also worked in Obama’s White House and for the US Attorney's office. Allred campaigned on a platform of health care for all, protections for Dreamers and better access to reproductive healthcare.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 32 Party: Democrat Colin Allred (D) 52.2% North Dallas Birth Date: 04/15/1983 Pete Sessions (R) 45.9% Cook PVI: R+5 Education: JD, University of California School of Law at Berkeley, 2011-2014;BA, History, Baylor University, 2001- 2005 Family: Wife: Alexandra

Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX-32) Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX-5) Background Gooden grew up in Terrell and graduated from Terrell High School. He received both a BA in government and a BBA in finance from University of Texas, Austin. Following graduation, he began work as an insurance broker for energy companies. In 2010, he was elected to Texas' House of Representatives to represent the 4th district, beating out the incumbent, Betty Brown, for whom he had been a legislative assistant. He won reelection in 2012, but lost to Stuart Spitzer in the 2014 Republican primary. In 2016, he won against Spitzer and returned to the State House. As a state representative, Gooden passed a bill to fund a comprehensive, $800 million border security plan, and other legislation that would restrict sanctuary cities.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 5 Party: Republican Lance Gooden (R) 62.5% Dallas Suburbs: Mesquite, Birth Date: 12/01/1982 Dan Wood (D) 37.5% Athens Education: BA, Government, University of Texas;BBA, Cook PVI: R+16 Finance, University of Texas Family: Spouse: Alexa

Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX-5) Rep. Ron Wright (R-TX-6) Background Wright is a sixth generation resident of Tarrant County, where he attended Azle High School. After graduating from the University of Texas, Arlington, Wright worked on his family's dairy farm and in construction. At the age of 25, Wright began managing an audio-visual company. After that, he oversaw multi-million dollar projects as a project manager for a cooling tower company in Fort Worth. Wright became active in political affairs in 2000, first as a City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tempore and later as Congressman Joe Barton's chief of staff. He moved from Washington DC to accept his most recent job as the Tax Assessor-Collector of Tarrant County, where he worked from 2011 to 2018. During his House campaign, Wright emphasized local issues like his opposition to traffic cameras and the cancellation of a charity drive that he believed would benefit Planned Parenthood.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Republican Ron Wright (R) 53.1% Dallas-Ft. Worth Suburbs: Birth Date: Unknown Jana Sanchez (D) 45.4% Arlington Education: Attended, University of Texas at Arlington Cook PVI: R+9 Family: Wife: Susan; 3 Children

Rep. Ron Wright (R-TX-6) Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-7) Background Before entering politics, Fletcher began her career in international law and business litigation. She has a BA from Kenyon College and JD from William & Mary Law School. In 2000, Fletcher co-founded Planned Parenthood Young Leaders. She worked with Texas Appleseed, a criminal justice group, to address the school-to-prison pipeline. She supports a ban on military-style weapons, a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, and a right to for women to choose. She was endorsed by Emily’s List, Human Rights Campaign, Vice President Joe Biden and several more. Rep. Fletcher lives in Houston with her husband and two children.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Texas First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 7 Party: Democrat Lizzie Fletcher (D) 52.3% West Houston and Suburbs Birth Date: 02/13/1975 John Culberson (R) 47.7% Cook PVI: R+7 Education: JD, William & Mary Law School, 2006;Graduated, History, Kenyon College Family: Husband: Scott; 2 Step-Children

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-7) Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) Background Wexton grew up in the Washington, DC area and graduated with honors from the University of Maryland in College Park, before receiving her JD from the College of William and Mary. From 2001 to 2005, she served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Loudoun County, prosecuting criminals who committed domestic violence. After having a second son, she began practicing privately at Ritenour, Paice, Mougin-Boal & Wexton. In 2014, she was elected to the Virginia Senate in a special election, earning 53% of the vote in a three-way race. She was reelected in 2015. Throughout her time as state senator, she has supported legislation aiming to combat the opioid epidemic and increase access to health care.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Virginia First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 10 Party: Democrat Jennifer Wexton (D) 56.2% Northern Virginia: Birth Date: 05/27/1968 Barbara Comstock (R) 43.8% Leesburg, McLean Education: JD, Law, College of William and Mary, Cook PVI: D+1 Williamsburg, 1995;BA, University of Maryland, College Park Family: Husband: Andrew; 2 Children: Matthew, Jamie

Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA-2) Background Luria received a degree in physics and history from the United States Naval Academy in 1997 and received an MS in engineering management from Old Dominion University in 2004. Luria served for 20 years as a Surface Warfare Officer and nuclear engineer in the Navy, and was deployed six times to Japan, the Middle East and the Western Pacific. After retiring from the Navy in 2017, she started a family business that sells paintable clay mermaids. Luria emphasized her military experience during her 2018 campaign, saying that it would help her represent the district, which contains the world’s largest navy base and one of the highest concentrations of veterans nationwide. She supports preserving Social Security and Medicare, protecting the environment and investing in infrastructure.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Virginia First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 2 Party: Democrat Elaine Luria (D) 51.1% Hampton Roads: Virginia Birth Date: 08/15/1975 Scott Taylor (R) 48.9% Beach, Part of Norfolk Education: Attended, University of Virginia Sorensen Cook PVI: R+3 Institute Political Leaders Program, 2017;MEM, Engineering Management, Old Dominion University, 2002-2004;BS, Physics, United States Naval Academy, 1993-1997 Family: Husband: Robert Blondin; 1 Child

Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA-2) Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA-5) Background Riggleman was born and raised in Virginia. He earned a BA in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and a MS in Program Management from Villanova. While pursuing his education, Riggleman served as an enlisted member is the Air Force for four years, and then commissioned in 1998, went to work for the 366th Fighter Wing, the 34th Bomb Squadron and the National Security Agency. He's a small business owner of a distillery in Virginia, which he co-owns and operates with his wife. During his campaign, he advocated for the of repeal the ACA, which he wanted to replace with a consumer-driven model for Medicaid that gives states flexibility. He also supported eliminating the cap on medical residencies, and prioritizing funding of medical residencies to areas most in need.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Virginia First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 5 Party: Republican Denver Riggleman (R) 53.3% Southside, Charlottesville Birth Date: 03/01/1970 Leslie Cockburn (D) 46.7% Cook PVI: R+6 Education: Masters Certificate, Program Management, Villanova University, 2007;BA, Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia, 1996-1998;AA, Burlington County College, 1996;AAS, Avionics Systems, Community College of the Air Force, 1996 Family: Wife: Christine; 3 Children: Lauren, Abigail, Lillian

Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA-5) Rep. Benjamin Cline (R-VA-6) Background Cline grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and attended Bates College before earning a JD at University of Richmond School of Law. After graduating from law school, he became an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney and also an attorney in private practice. He also served as an aide, and eventually Chief of Staff, to Congressman Bob Goodlatte. He was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in a special election in 2002. That year, he joined NDS Corporation, which provided marketing assistance to technology companies. He served as the company's president until 2007.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Virginia First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 6 Party: Republican Benjamin Cline (R) 60.% Shenandoah Valley: Birth Date: 02/29/1972 Jennifer Lewis (D) 40.% Roanoke Education: JD, University of Richmond School of Law, Cook PVI: R+13 2004-2007;BA, Political Science/Russian, Bates College, 1990-1994 Family: Wife: Elizabeth

Rep. Benjamin Cline (R-VA-6) Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7) Background Spanberger grew up in Short Pump, in Henrico County, VA. During high school, she served as a page for US Sen. Chuck Robb (D-VA). Spanberger received her undergraduate degree from University of Virginia and her MBA from a dual-degree German-American program between GISMA business school and Purdue University. She began her public service career as a federal law enforcement officer for the US Postal Inspection Service. Later she joined the CIA as an Operations Officer. In 2014, she joined the private sector working at EAB-Royall & Co., an education consulting firm, where she helped increase graduation rates and break down financial barriers to higher education. She was elected to the US House of Representatives after defeating the incumbent Representative Dave Bratt (R).

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Virginia First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 7 Party: Democrat Abigail Spanberger (D) 50.1% Central: Richmond Suburbs Birth Date: 08/07/1979 Dave Brat (R) 48.7% Cook PVI: R+6 Education: Graduated, University of Virginia;MBA, German International School of Management and Administration (GISMA)/Purdue University Family: Husband: Adam

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7) Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI-1) Background Steil was born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin. He worked as a legislative assistant to Rep. Paul Ryan and as an attorney at McDermott Will & Emery. He then shifted to working with manufacturing firms in southeastern Wisconsin. In 2016, Steil was appointed to serve on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. While campaigning in 2018 elections, Steil promoted an end to federal mandates for education and giving states and local communities more control in setting the agenda for high schools, technical schools and universities. Steil is also a proponent of shifting health care decisions from the government to doctors, while ensuring coverage for pre-existing conditions.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: Wisconsin First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 1 Party: Republican Bryan Steil (R) 54.6% Southeast: Janesville, Birth Date: 03/20/1981 Randy Bryce (D) 42.3% Kenosha Education: BS, Georgetown University; JD, University of Cook PVI: R+5 Wisconsin Family: Unknown

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI-1) Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV-3) Background Miller was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1950, and she graduated from Columbia College in South Carolina with a degree in history and political science. Beginning in 1985, she worked as a self-employed real estate manager, and she has owned the Swann Ridge Bison Farm since 1994. In 2004, Miller ran for the West Virginia House of Delegates (District 15) and placed in the four-way three-selectee Republican primary, but she lost the general election to the race’s incumbents. In 2006, she ran for the position again, this time successfully unseating the incumbent Democrat Margarette Leach. She held the position before being redistricted to District 16 in 2012. In 2018, she serves as the majority whip in the House of Delegates. Miller has emphasized President Trump's endorsement, and avidly supports the President. She has called herself an America-first conservative. She has advocated for making English America’s national language and supports Trump’s proposal to build a wall on the southern border.

District Profile Biography Election Results State: West Virginia First Elected: 2018 2018 General District: 3 Party: Republican Carol Miller (R) 56.4% Southern: Huntington Birth Date: 11/04/1950 Richard Ojeda (D) 43.6% Cook PVI: R+23 Education: BS, Political Science/History, Columbia College, 1972 Family: Husband: Matt; 2 Children: Chris, Sam

Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV-3) BGOV OnPoint: House Committee Leaders in the 116th Congress

Nov. 7, 2018 2 Republicans Will Have More Turnover Committee Chairman (115th) Ranking Member (115th)

Agriculture Michael Conaway (Texas) Collin Peterson (Minn.) Appropriations Rodney Frelinghuysen (N.J.) Nita Lowey (N.Y.) Armed Services Mac Thornberry (Texas) Adam Smith (Wash.) Budget Steve Womack (Ark.) John Yarmuth (Ky.) Education & the Workforce Virginia Foxx (N.C.) Bobby Scott (Va.) Energy & Commerce Greg Walden (Ore.) Frank Pallone (N.J.) Financial Services Jeb Hensarling (Texas) Maxine Waters (Calif.) Foreign Affairs Ed Royce (Calif.) Eliot Engel (N.Y.) Homeland Security Michael McCaul (Texas) Bennie Thompson (Miss.) Judiciary Bob Goodlatte (Va.) Jerry Nadler (N.Y.) Natural Resources Rob Bishop (Utah) Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.) Oversight & Government Reform Trey Gowdy (S.C.) Elijah Cummings (Md.) Rules Pete Sessions (Texas) Jim McGovern (Mass.) Science, Space, & Technology Lamar Smith (Texas) Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas) Small Business Steve Chabot (Ohio) Nydia Velázquez (N.Y.) Transportation & Infrastructure Bill Shuster (Penn.) Pete DeFazio (Ore.) Veterans' Affairs Phil Roe (Tenn.) Tim Walz (Minn.) Ways & Means Kevin Brady (Texas) Richard Neal (Mass.) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Devin Nunes (Calif.) Adam Schiff (Calif.)

Note: Retiring members are italicized; members who lost reelection are bolded; term limited Republican chairmen are underlined 3 Appropriations: Cardinals Seek GOP Spot Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.) is retiring

Subcommittee leaders seeking the top Republican spot • Defense Subcommittee Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-Texas) • Financial Services Subcommittee Chairman Tom Graves (R-Ga.) Granger Lowey Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) should remain top Democrat

Graves 4 Financial Services: Republicans Vie for Post Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) is retiring

Several Republicans are in the running • Vice Chair Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) could seek top spot or leadership post • Other contenders include Peter King (R-N.Y.), Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), Bill McHenry Waters Huizenga (R-Mich.), and Sean Duffy (R-Wis.)

Ranking member Maxine Waters (D- Calif.) likely to remain top Democrat

King Lucas 5 Foreign Affairs: GOP Retirement Opens Spot Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) is retiring

Several Republicans could be successor • Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) has seniority • Michael McCaul (R-Texas) could be a candidate • Term-limited as leader of Homeland Security Committee Wilson Engel • Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) is also in the running

Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) should retain his position as the lead Democrat on the panel

Yoho McCaul 6 Homeland: Term Limit Opens Top GOP Spot Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has led the panel for three terms

Two Republicans are seeking post • John Katko (R-N.Y.), who leads the Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee • Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who narrowly lost the chairmanship in the 113th Congress Katko Thompson

Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) likely to retain position as the top Democrat

Rogers 7 Judiciary: Another GOP Retirement Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) is retiring

Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) is potential successor • Currently leads Small Business panel • Other contenders include Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Steve King (R-Iowa), and Tom Marino (R-Pa.) Chabot Nadler Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) likely to retain his position as the top Democrat

Collins King 8 Oversight: Top GOP Spot Open Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) didn’t seek reelection

Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) are seeking top Republican spot

Ranking member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) likely to remain top Democrat Jordan Cummings

Meadows 9 Rules: Loss Opens Republican Spot Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) lost his reelection bid

Position is appointed by leadership, so several Republicans could be successor • Vice Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) is in line for post • Rob Woodall* (R-Ga.) could also seek position Cole McGovern

Ranking member Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) is likely to remain the top Democrat

Woodall

*Woodall was winning his re-election bid, which was too close to call as of publication. 10 Science, Space & Technology: GOP Spot Open Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) is retiring

Republican successors could include: • Vice Chair Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) is a potential candidate, though also may seek Financial Services post • Dana Rohrabacher* (R-Calif.) is a senior Republican on the committee Lucas Johnson

Ranking member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) should retain her position as the lead Democrat

Rohrabacher Brooks

*Rohrabacher was losing his re-election bid, which was too close to call as of publication. 11 Small Business: GOP Leader May Switch Panels Chairman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) could move to lead Judiciary

Chabot jumping to another panel could open a spot • Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.) and Steve King (R-Iowa) could face off

Ranking member Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) likely to remain top Democrat Luetkemeyer Velázquez

King 12 Transportation: Two Republicans Seek Top Post Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) retirement spurs Republican leadership race

Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Jeff Denham* (R-Calif.) are jostling for the top slot on the Republican side

Ranking member Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) likely to keep top Democratic spot Graves DeFazio

Denham

*Denham was winning his re-election bid, which was too close to call as of publication. 13 VA: Two Californians Vie for Top Democratic Spot Ranking member Tim Walz (D-Minn.) elected Minnesota’s governor

Chairman Phil Roe (R-Tenn) likely to stay top Republican on the panel

Democratic contenders include: • Mark Takano (D-Calif.), who’s endorsed by Walz • Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), who leads Roe Takano Health Subcommittee

Brownley BGOV OnPoint: Senate Committee Leaders in the 116th Congress

Nov. 7, 2018 15 Democrats’ Losses Will Drive Turnover Committee Chairman (115th) Ranking Member (115th)

Aging Susan Collins (Maine) Bob Casey (Pa.) Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Pat Roberts (Kan.) Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) Appropriations Richard Shelby (Ala.) Patrick Leahy (Vt.) Armed Services James Inhofe (Okla.) Jack Reed (R.I.) Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Mike Crapo (Idaho) Sherrod Brown (Ohio) Budget Mike Enzi (Wyo.) Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) Commerce, Science & Transportation John Thune (S.D.) Bill Nelson (Fla.)** Energy & Natural Resources Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) Maria Cantwell (Wash.) Environment & Public Works John Barrasso (Wyo.) Tom Carper (Del.) Finance Orrin Hatch (Utah) – retiring Ron Wyden (Ore.) Foreign Relations Bob Corker (Tenn.) – retiring Bob Menendez (N.J.) Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) Patty Murray (Wash.) Homeland Security & Govt. Affairs Ron Johnson (Wis.) Claire McCaskill (Mo.) Indian Affairs John Hoeven (N.D.) Tom Udall (N.M.) Intelligence Richard Burr (N.C.) Mark Warner (Va.) Judiciary Chuck Grassley (Iowa) Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) Rules & Administration Roy Blunt (Mo.) Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) Small Business & Entrepreneurship James Risch (Idaho) Ben Cardin (Md.) Veterans' Affairs Johnny Isakson (Ga.) Jon Tester (Mont.) **Races are uncalled as of publication Note: Retiring members are italicized; members who lost reelection are bolded. 16 Banking: Potential GOP Opening Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) largely expected to remain at helm

GOP opening would depend on who takes over Senate Finance panel • Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) next in line for Senate Finance • If he passes that up to remain on Senate Judiciary, Crapo could move to Finance Crapo Brown • In that scenario, Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) would be in line for Banking gavel

Ranking member Sherrod Brown (D- Ohio) is likely to retain his spot

Toomey 17 Commerce: Both Top Spots Open Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) will step aside, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) lost re-election bid*

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss) likely to take top Republican seat on panel

Democratic replacements could include: • Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) could move over from Energy and Natural Wicker Cantwell Resources • Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) could take spot, should Cantwell decline

Klobuchar

*Nelson was losing his re-election bid, which was too close to call as of publication. 18 Finance: Republican Slot Up for Grabs Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is retiring

Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) may be eyeing the helm • He’s currently chairman of the Judiciary Committee, has previously led Finance panel • Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) could move over from Banking if Grassley passes Grassley Wyden

Ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will likely retain his spot

Crapo 19 Foreign Relations: Republican Spot Is Open Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) didn’t seek reelection

James Risch (R-Idaho) could move to the panel • Risch currently leads Small Business • Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) would be next in line after Risch

Ranking member Bob Menendez (D- Risch Menendez N.J.) expected to keep post

Ben Cardin (D-Md.) held the spot during Menendez’s corruption trial

Rubio Cardin 20 Homeland: Election Shakes Up Democrats Ranking member Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) lost her election

Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) should retain his spot as the top Republican

Democrats will shuffle after losses • Tom Carper (D-Del.) is the most

senior Democrat, but is ranking on Johnson Carper Environment and Public Works • Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are the next most- senior Democrats on committee

Hassan Peters 21 Judiciary: GOP Move Could Create Opening Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) may be eyeing Finance Committee gavel

Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) could follow Grassley as chairman • John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is term- limited as whip, and Mike Lee (R-Utah) could also seek the gavel

Ranking member Dianne Feinstein Grassley Feinstein (D-Calif.) will likely retain her spot

Graham Cornyn 22 Small Business: Another Potential GOP Opening Chairman James Risch (R-Idaho) could opt for opening on Foreign Relations

Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has seniority on panel if Risch moves

Ranking member Ben Cardin (D-Md.) will likely remain in his spot

Risch Cardin

Rubio Midterms 2018: Meet the new governors Biographical information on the incoming freshmen in the 116th Congress

November 7, 2018

Producer National Journal Presentation Center Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-AK) Background Dunleavy was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1961. He has a BA in history from Misercordia University and an MA in education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He has lived in Alaska since the early 1980s. Dunleavy has worked as director of K-12 outreach for the University of Alaska, program manager of the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project and owner of Dunleavy Educational Services. From 2013 to 2017, he was a member of the Alaska Senate, representing District E. In his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Dunleavy emphasized Alaska’s high unemployment and crime rates, as well as its declining private sector investment, which he claimed was the result of incumbent Governor Bill Walker’s administration. He presented himself as the candidate that would restore prosperity and order to Alaska, highlighting his record in the Alaska Senate. In addition, he committed to investing in public safety and preserving the Permanent Fund Dividend program.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Mike Dunleavy (R) 45.% Birth Date: 05/05/1961 Mark Begich (D) 37.5% Education: MA, Education, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1986-1991;BA, History, College Misericordia, 1983 Family: Wife: Rose; 3 Children: Maggie, Catherine, Ceil Ann

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-AK) Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) Background Before entering politics, Newsom ran the PlumpJack Group, 23 businesses named for an opera written by a family friend. PlumpJack began with a San Francisco wine store which Newsom founded soon after graduating from college. Newsom's political career began on the San Francisco board of supervisors, a position he held from 1997-2004; one of his key initiatives was reforming the "Muni" transit system. Newsom became mayor of San Francisco in 2004 and served until 2011. As mayor, he created a plan for universal health care and issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples, despite the illegality same-sex marriage under California law at the time. Newsom served as Gov. Jerry Brown's lieutenant governor since 2011. As lieutenant governor, Newsom endorsed a ballot measure for legalizing marijuana and two different measures which would have abolished capital punishment.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Gavin Newsom (D) 59.1% Birth Date: 10/10/1967 John Cox (R) 40.9% Education: BA, Political Science, Santa Clara University, 1989 Family: Wife: Jennifer; 3 Children: Montana, Hunter, Brooklynn

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) Background Polis is the first openly gay man elected to Congress. He was born in Boulder, but grew up in San Diego, returning to Colorado with his family during the summers. Several successful business ventures, including American Information Systems, an internet access provider; bluemountainarts.com and Proflowers.com, a flower delivery service, made Polis a multimillionaire and one of the wealthiest members of Congress. When Democratic Rep. Mark Udall in Colorado’s 2nd District decided to run for an open Senate seat in 2008, Polis ran for Udall’s House seat. In 2009, Polis jumped into the health care debate, taking a leading role in fighting a proposal by his own party that would pay for elements of the overhauled system with a tax on wealthy Americans. Polis is an impressive fundraiser, collecting from liberal interest groups and investment companies and donating money to politically vulnerable Democrats through his Jared Polis Victory Fund. In June 2017, Polis announced his candidacy for Governor of Colorado, winning the Democratic primary in June 2018.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Jared Polis (D) 51.6% Birth Date: 05/12/1975 Walker Stapleton (R) 45.% Education: BA, Political Science, Princeton University, 1992-1996 Family: Partner: Marlon Reis; 2 Children

Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) Gov. Ned Lamont (D-CT) Background Lamont was born in Washington, DC. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard and the Yale School of Management. After graduating from Yale, Lamont worked in the cable television industry, first managing a start- up and later founding his own cable television company, Campus Televideo. He became a member of both the Greenwich Board of Selectmen and the Board of Estimate and Taxation, where he managed the budget. He also was chair of the State Investment Advisory Council, where he oversaw the investment of state pension funds. In 2006, he ran for the US Senate and defeated Sen. Joe Lieberman in the Democratic primary, but then lost to Lieberman, who ran as an independent candidate, in the general election. In 2010, Lamont ran to be the Democratic nomination for governor of Connecticut, but lost to Stamford mayor Dan Malloy who eventually became governor.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Ned Lamont (D) 48.6% Birth Date: 01/03/1954 Bob Stefanowski (R) 46.8% Education: MBA, Yale School of Management, 1978- 1980;Graduated, Harvard University, 1972-1976 Family: Wife: Annie; 3 Children

Gov. Ned Lamont (D-CT) Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) Background Pritzker was born in California. The Pritzker family own the Hyatt hotel chain. It is estimated that his net worth is $3.5 billion. In 1998, Pritzker ran for the House in Illinois’ 9th district. He then served as a trustee of Northwestern University and was the Chair Emeritus of ChicagoNEXT, Rahm Emmanuel’s council on technology. Pritzker ran a progressive campaign for governor of Illinois, with a focus on immigration, creating more jobs and legalizing marijuana in the state. Like many other Democrats, Pritzker also ran on the platform of expanding the ACA and access to healthcare. The Illinois governor race was one of the most expensive races in US history, with Rauner and Pritzker injecting the race with millions of their own funds.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat JB Pritzker (D) 54.% Birth Date: 01/19/1965 Bruce Rauner (R) 39.3% Education: JD, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law, Northwestern University School of Law, 1990-1993;AB, Political Science & Government, Duke University Family: Husband: M.K.; 2 Children: Teddi, Donny

Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) Background Kelly earned a BS in psychology from Bradley University and an MS in Park and Recreation Administration with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation from Indiana University Bloomington. She served as the executive director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association for 16 years and as director of Recreation Therapy and Physical Education at the National Jewish Hospital for Respiratory and Immune Diseases. Kelly was first elected to the Kansas State Senate in 2004, where she became the minority whip and later the assistant minority leader. She was also the ranking member on the Ways and Means committee. Kelly defeated former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, in the election to become governor.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Laura Kelly (D) 47.8% Birth Date: 01/24/1950 Kris Kobach (R) 43.3% Education: BS, Psychology, Bradley University;MS, Park and Recreation Administration, emphasis in Therapeutic, Indiana University Bloomington Family: Husband: Ted; 2 Children: Kathleen, Molly

Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) Background Mills was born in Farmington, Maine. She obtained her BA from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, before going on to receive her JD from the University of Maine School of Law. From 1976 to 1980, she worked as an assistant attorney general for Maine. She then became district attorney for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties in 1980. This made her the first woman district attorney in New England. In 2002, she became a representative in the Maine House of Representatives. She served from 2002-2010, after which time she became the vice chair of the Maine Democratic Party. From 2012-2018, she has again served as attorney general. During her 2018 campaign to become governor of Maine, she voiced her support for implementing universal pre-K education for every four-year old in Maine, expanding Medicaid, limiting the effects of rollbacks of ACA protections in Maine and protecting abortion rights in the state.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Janet Mills (D) 50.3% Birth Date: 12/30/1947 Shawn Moody (R) 43.8% Education: BA, University of Massachusetts, Boston;JD, University of Maine School of Law Family: Husband: Stanley; 5 Step-Children

Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) Background Whitmer was born in Lansing, Michigan. Whitmer attended Michigan State University, where she earned both her undergraduate degree in communications and her JD. After school, she worked as a policy analyst in the Michigan State House of Representatives and was a lecturer on gender and the law at Michigan State University. She also spent time in a private practice, Dickinson Wright, LLC where she worked as an associate attorney and then as counsel. Further, Whitmer was a Towsley Policy Maker in Residence for the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at University of Michigan. She served as prosecutor for Ingham County in 2016. She was a state representative from 2000-2006 and a state senator from 2006-2014. While in the Michigan Senate, she was minority leader from 2011-2014.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Gretchen Whitmer (D) 53.2% Birth Date: 08/23/1971 Bill Schuette (R) 44.% Education: JD, Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, 1998;BA, Communications, Michigan State University, 1989-1993 Family: Husband: Marc; 5 Children: Sherry, Sydney, Mason, Alex, Winston

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) Background Walz, a Democrat first elected to the US House in 2006, has entrenched himself in his rural district by balancing strong support for farmers, military veterans and gun owners with a commitment to the main economic planks of his party’s agenda. Walz joined the Army National Guard when he was 17 and retired from the military in 2005. He earned his teaching degree in Nebraska, taught in China for a year and later established an educational travel company. He and his wife moved to Minnesota in 1996, where he taught high school geography and coached the football team. In 2006, Walz successfully challenged six-term Republican Rep. Gil Gutknecht to win in a historically Republican district. In the House, Walz established a mostly centrist voting record with an emphasis on good-government. In March 2017, Walz announced his bid for governor and beat two competitors in the primary. His lieutenant governor running mate is Peggy Flanagan, who has served in the Minnesota State House since 2015.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Tim Walz (D) 53.9% Birth Date: 04/06/1964 Jeff Johnson (R) 42.4% Education: Attending, Saint Mary's University, present;MS, Educational Leadership, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2001;BS, Social Science Education, Chadron State College, 1989 Family: Wife: Gwen; 2 Children: Hope, Gus

Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) Background Lujan Grisham was born in Los Alamos. In 1991, she was appointed to be the director of the State Agency on Aging and served as director for 13 years under both Republican and Democratic governors. After her husband’s death in 2004, Grisham was appointed New Mexico’s Secretary of Health. During her tenure, Grisham emphasized precautionary principles to combat medical mistakes. In 2008, Grisham unsuccessfully ran for New Mexico’s 1st congressional district. Two years later she became the commissioner of Bernallio County. In 2012, Grisham ran again for New Mexico’s 1st congressional district, and won. In the House of Representatives, Grisham has been a consistent advocate for protecting the elderly and supporting social safety net programs like Medicare and Social Security. She currently chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) 56.9% Birth Date: 10/24/1959 Steve Pearce (R) 43.1% Education: JD, School of Law, University of New Mexico, 1983-1987;Bachelors, University Studies, University of New Mexico, 1977-1981 Family: Widow; 2 Children: Taylor, Erin

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) Gov. Steve Sisolak (D-NV) Background Sisolak was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received his master's degree from University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1978. He started a communications business and served on various boards, including the Nevada Board of Regents and the Las Vegas District Board of Directors. Most recently, Sisolak served as the chairman of the Clark County Commission and as the chair of Big Bend Water District Board of Trustees. During the 2018 campaign, Sisolak ran on education as his primary focus. He has publicly stated his interest in increasing funding for the public school system in Nevada and increasing the salaries of teachers. Sisolak also ran on a platform of increasing jobs in Nevada by promoting clean energy and the manufacturing industry.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Steve Sisolak (D) 48.8% Birth Date: 12/26/1953 Adam Laxalt (R) 45.9% Education: MBA, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 1978;BA, Univeristy of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, 1974 Family: Wife: Dallas; 2 Children

Gov. Steve Sisolak (D-NV) Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) Background Evers was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Before entering politics, Evers spent his entire career in education. He has been a principal, the superintendent of Verona School District and Oakfield School District, and the chief administrator of the Cooperative Educational Service Agency 6. His first political role was as Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Wisconsin which he was elected to in 2009. As governor, Evers plans to increase investments in early childhood education and quality childcare, including helping families afford increasing childcare costs. He also plans to accept the Medicaid expansion dollars offered by the federal government, and to lower prescription drug costs. Further, he plans to ensure access to broadband throughout Wisconsin, as well as invest in the state’s infrastructure.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Democrat Tony Evers (D) 49.6% Birth Date: 11/05/1951 Scott Walker (R) 48.4% Education: Doctorate, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 1986;Masters, Educational Administration, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 1976;Bachelors, Educational Administration, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 1973 Family: Wife: Kathy; 3 Children: Erin, Nick, Katie

Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) Background DeSantis grew up in northeast Florida. He attended Yale University and Harvard Law School. After, DeSantis commissioned in the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer, working at Guantanamo Bay and in Iraq, as an adviser to a U.S. Navy SEAL commander. Outside of his military service, DeSantis worked as a federal prosecutor. In 2012, DeSantis won a seat in the House, representing Florida’s 6th district. In Congress, DeSantis championed legislation to make it easier for the military to prosecute sexual assault. DeSantis is a proponents of working to stop toxic algae discharges. He also supports immigration reform, including enacting E-verify and not allowing sanctuary cities in Florida.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Ron DeSantis (R) 49.7% Birth Date: 09/14/1978 Andrew Gillum (D) 49.% Education: BA, History, Yale University;JD, Harvard Law School Family: Wife: Casey; 2 Children: Madison, Mason

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) Gov. Brad Little (R-ID) Background Little was born in Emmett, Idaho. He attended the University of Idaho and earned a BS in Agribusiness. After graduation, he returned to work at his family’s ranch, Little Land and Livestock Company. He eventually became the owner and general partner, and serves on the boards of Home Federal Bank and Performance Design Incorporated. Little first entered politics when he was appointed to fill a vacant seat in the Idaho State Senate. He was then elected and re-elected to the seat four times and became the Republican Caucus chairman. In 2009, Little was appointed to lieutenant governor of Idaho. As governor, Little plans to allow all college and universities to keep the sales tax that is generated on their campuses to control tuition costs. He also plans to cut the income tax for Idahoans by $350 million.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Brad Little (R) 59.5% Birth Date: 02/15/1954 Paulette Jordan (D) 38.4% Education: BS, Agribusiness, University of Idaho, 1976 Family: Wife: Teresa; 2 Children: Adam, David

Gov. Brad Little (R-ID) Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) Background DeWine was born in Springfield, Ohio. He received a BS in Education from Miami University of Ohio and a JD from Ohio Northern University College of Law. He has been a visiting scholar at Miami University of Ohio, Ohio Northern University, and Cedarville University. DeWine served as assistant prosecuting attorney and then prosecuting attorney of Greene County, Ohio. He has spent much of his life in politics first serving as senator for the Ohio State Senate in 1980. He then served four terms in the US House of Representatives and as lieutenant governor of Ohio from 1990 to 1994. DeWine had a failed campaign for US Senate in 1992, but won his bid for the Senate in 1994. He then lost his second re-election to US Senate in 2006. He is currently serving as the attorney general of Ohio.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Mike DeWine (R) 50.7% Birth Date: 01/05/1947 Richard Cordray (D) 46.4% Education: JD, Ohio Northern University College of Law, 1972;BS, Education, Miami University of Ohio, 1969 Family: Wife: Frances; 8 Children: Patrick, Jill, Rebecca, John, Brian, Alice, Mark, Anna

Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) Background Stitt is a fourth generation Oklahoman, and graduated from Norman High School. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in accounting. Stitt is the founder and CEO of Gateway Mortgage Group, which employs 1,200 people and has offices in 41 states. His candidacy for governor was his first attempt at political office. Stitt plans to prioritize government efficiency and give the governor the authority to fire underperforming leaders in appointed positions. He also plans to reform education by raising teacher pay to match the pay in neighboring states, and expand the use of video technology in the classroom. Further, Stitt plans to enhance recruitment programs to bring businesses to Oklahoma and create jobs.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Kevin Stitt (R) 54.3% Birth Date: Unknown Drew Edmondson (D) 42.2% Education: Bachelor's, Accounting, Oklahoma State University, 1991-1996 Family: Wife: Sarah; 6 Children

Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) Background Born in Watertown, South Dakota, Noem received her BA in Political Science from South Dakota State University. Before getting into politics, Noem was a small business owner and manager, as well as a rancher, operating her family’s farm after her father died. She was elected to the South Dakota State House of Representatives in 2006 and then as the singular at-large member U.S. representative in 2010. She sat on the House Ways and Means Committee. While in Congress, Noem voted against her party 4.1% of the time, below the House average. While campaigning for governor, Noem highlighted what she refers to as the “four pillars of protection”. This includes, protection from tax increases, protection from government growth, protection from federal intrusion and protection from government secrecy.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Kristi Noem (R) 51.% Birth Date: 11/30/1971 Billie Sutton (D) 47.6% Education: BA, Political Science, South Dakota State University, 2011;Attended, Northern State University, 1990-1992;Attended, Mount Marty College, Watertown Family: Husband: Bryon; 3 Children: Kassidy, Kennedy, Booker

Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) Background Lee was born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee. After attending Williamson County Schools, he studied mechanical engineering at Auburn University. He then returned home to work at his grandfather’s business, Lee Company. He served as president of the Lee Company from 1992-2016 and then as Chair of the Lee company from 2016 on. The Lee company employs more than 1,200 individuals and generates $215 million in annual revenue. Lee served as the 7th congressional district’s representative to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and on the Board of Trustees at Belmont University. Further, Lee has previously served as president of Tennesseans for Economic Growth, chairman of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and president of the Associated Builders and Contractors. Prior to running for governor, Lee did not have any experience in elected office.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Bill Lee (R) 59.3% Birth Date: 10/09/1959 Karl Dean (D) 38.8% Education: BSME, Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, 1977-1981 Family: Wife: Maria; 4 Children: Jessica, Jacob, Caleb, Sarah Kate

Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) Gov. Mark Gordon (R-WY) Background Gordon is a native of Wyoming. He graduated from Middlebury College in 1979 with a degree in history. After working as a rancher and serving on the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, he was appointed as treasurer for the state of Wyoming. Gordon unsuccessfully ran for Wyoming US House at-large in 2008. He was then elected to serve a full term as state treasurer in 2012. During his gubernatorial campaign, Gordon emphasized his plans to reduce the size of government and decrease spending. Gordon also plans to work on decreasing federal regulations on Wyoming’s natural resources, while still protecting open spaces and access to public lands. He supports the second amendment and has been a lifelong member of the NRA, using guns on his ranch and for personal protection.

Biography Election Results First Elected: 2018 2018 General Party: Republican Mark Gordon (R) 67.4% Birth Date: 03/14/1957 Mary Throne (D) 27.7% Education: BA, History, Middlebury College, 1979 Family: Wife: Jennie; 4 Children

Gov. Mark Gordon (R-WY) National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

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