WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) joined other members of the Bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus in inviting the President to personally visit rural communities across the country.  In June, the Administration announced it would launch a “Rural Tour” so that Cabinet secretaries and advisors to the President can learn first hand the unique priorities of rural America.

          “I was pleased to learn of the Administration’s rural tour.  It will serve the President’s advisors well.  But, I believe the President would be wise to participate in the tour as well.  It would give him a better understanding of how proposed policies in Washington might impact Americans living in small towns and farms,” said Skelton. 

          The letter to the President was signed by 27 Members of Congress.  Earlier this year, the Bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus sent a similar letter to the President asking him to create an Office of Rural Policy in the White House.  This office has not yet been created.  The Administration’s “Rural Tour” will serve, for now, as a way to inform members of the Cabinet and other senior officials about rural priorities.    

          Skelton is a former chairman of the Bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.