WASHINGTON, DC – Today House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) called on House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves to join together with House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Committee Natural Resources Ranking Member Doc Hastings (R-WA) to lead the “Rural America Solutions Group,” a new task force created by Leader Boehner to help solve the difficulties that rural America faces today.

President Obama previously promised he would hold a summit focused on rural issues during his first 100 days but has yet to do so.  The Rural America Solutions group’s goal is to find new ways to create jobs and other opportunities for rural America.

“As a farmer and a small businessman, I know the importance of rural America to our country. No matter where you live, we all want the same things: good-paying jobs, a solid education and access to quality healthcare,” said Ranking Member Sam Graves.  “However the solutions to those problems in rural America are unique. I am excited to begin our work on finding answers.”

NOTE:  Members of the GOP Rural Solutions Group include:

·         Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) – Co-Chair

·         Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) – Co-Chair

·         Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) – Co-Chair

·         Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)

·         Rep. Henry Brown (R-SC)

·         Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)

·         Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)

·         Rep. Steve King (R-IA)

·         Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA)

·         Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)

·         Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)

·         Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA)

·         Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL)

·         Rep. George Radonovich (R-CA)

·         Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN)

·         Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)

###