The American Agri-Women (AAW) “Champion of Agriculture” award was initiated in 2010 to recognize members of Congress who have displayed exemplary courage in presenting and supporting legislation that promotes American agriculture, rural American lifestyles and the United States Constitution. This is a bipartisan award with efforts made to include both houses and both parties. Since 2010, there have been two awards given each year: one to a House member and one to a Senate member. Both Republicans and Democrats have received the award.
Champion of Agriculture Awards 2020
Senator ChuckGrassley of Iowa
Grassley has earned a reputation in Washington as a voice for American agriculture. He brings real-world experience to the policymaking fields. His leadership positions on the Senate Finance, Agriculture and Judiciary Committees provide a unique opportunity to shape tax, international trade, regulatory and spending that will shape the future of farming in the 21st century. Grassley is a champion for the renewable fuels industry and strives to improve imbalances in the Farm Bill. He worked diligently on the USMCA Implementation Act during the 116th Congress.
“[Senator Grassley] has never forgotten his constituents and is eager to help young people get started in politics so that it will benefit Iowa’s future livelihood in agriculture,” says Annette Sweeney, Iowa Agri-Women member and Iowa state senator.
Congressman Jodey C. Arrington of Texas
Congressman Jodey C. Arrington is a proven leader who is committed to fighting for the people of West Texas. Through the years, his ability to tackle tough issues and achieve results for his country, state and local communities has taken him from Texas to the White House and back home again. Congressman Arrington served as an advisor to President George W. Bush to assemble leadership teams in critical areas such as agriculture, water and energy. As a new member on the Ways and Means Committee, prioritizing rural America’s most critical issues—agriculture, energy and healthcare—remains Arrington’s driving force. He works tirelessly to ensure West Texas’s agriculture and energy producers continue to feed, fuel and clothe the American people.
“Congressman Arrington is known to many of his colleagues as ‘the proud representative of the food, fuel and fiber capital of the world’ and consistently reminds them of the importance of the agriculture industry to our national security,” reported the members of the Texas Agri-Women, South Plains Chapter in their nomination of Arrington.