Georgia’s newest member of the Senate, Kelly Loeffler, will have a spot on the Senate Agriculture Committee, taking the place of Georgia Sen. David Perdue, who shifted to another panel.
The businesswoman was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence on Monday to replace Johnny Isakson, who resigned in December.
In a statement, she cited her Illinois farm upbringing and said she looked forward to being on the Ag committee.
"Growing up on the family farm, I understand the vital importance of agriculture to our state, and the issues facing rural communities and local businesses firsthand,” she said. “On the Senate Agriculture Committee, I will stand with our farmers, advance pro-growth policies, and proudly promote our Georgia Grown products. I will work around the clock to keep America growing."
She will also be a member of the Health Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which oversees the Food and Drug Administration.
Loeffler was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to complete Isakson’s term, which runs through 2022. A special election will be held in November to determine who will serve the remainder of the term; Loeffler has said she plans to run in that race.
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“Georgia is leading the way on agriculture nationally with Secretary Perdue at the helm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Historically, Georgia has also had strong representation on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and that will not change,” said Sen. Perdue, the agriculture secretary's cousin. “Kelly Loeffler and I will work closely with Georgia’s farmers and producers to ensure their voices are heard in the United States Senate. Together, we will continue to fight for farm families and rural communities.”
Senate Ag Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said Loeffler would be a welcome addition to the committee.
Loeffler has been an executive with International Exchange, which develops and operates international markets, and is a part owner of Atlanta’s WNBA franchise.
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