TANNER, COLLEAGUES CALL FOR CREATION
OF WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF RURAL POLICY

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Tanner joined others in the bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus in calling for the President to create a White House Office of Rural Policy, similar to the White House Office of Urban Policy.

“This letter is to encourage a similar and equivalent White House office to work on rural issues which affect Americans who live in less densely-populated areas of the country,” Tanner and 40 Rural Caucus colleagues wrote March 10 in a bipartisan letter to President Obama.

“The unique policy matters faced in rural America include, but are not limited to, specific concerns regarding agriculture, conservation, economic development, education, health care, information technology and transportation infrastructure, among others. We are sure your administration would benefit from an office devoted to the effect of federal regulations on rural Americans and our communities.”

Tanner, a founding member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats, represents Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district in West and Middle Tennessee. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he chairs the Subcommittee on Social Security. Tanner also serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

# # #

Contact: Randy Ford, 202.225.4714