Rural Development, Energy, and Credit

The Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit is a specialized division of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As a subcommittee, it conducts initial hearings and reviews legislation before matters advance to the full committee, which retains final authority to report bills to the Senate floor.

This subcommittee handles a focused slice of agricultural policy: rural development loan and grant programs, renewable energy production and efficiency on farms and ranches, farm loan programs, and agricultural credit. It also oversees food and agricultural research, education, and extension services. The subcommittee works with federal agencies including the Farm Service Agency, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and the Farm Credit Administration.

The subcommittee is chaired by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), with Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) serving as Ranking Member. The 13-member panel includes both Republicans and Democrats. The subcommittee plays a key role in preparing major legislation like the Farm Bill, which shapes agricultural policy across the nation.

Currently, the subcommittee has no recent bills referred to it, though it continues to hold hearings on USDA programs and their economic impact on rural communities. The panel's work directly affects farmers, rural businesses, and communities seeking access to credit, renewable energy infrastructure, and development resources.