Reps. Tracey Mann and Jim Langevin Introduce FFA Resolution

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS), Jim Langevin (D-RI) and 77 cosponsors introduced a bipartisan resolution (H.Res.150) celebrating National FFA Week and applauding the next generation of leaders who will change the world. The resolution also received bicameral support, with 48 cosponsors in the Senate in an effort led by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Coons (D-DE). In addition to designating National FFA Week as the week of February 20-27, 2021, the resolution recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization in providing educational and career opportunities to students, and celebrates more than 50 years of National FFA Alumni and Supporters with more than 8 million alumni worldwide.

“As a past chapter FFA officer from Quinter, Kansas and proud FFA alumnus, I am honored to introduce this resolution to celebrate National FFA Week,” said Rep. Mann. “As the average age of the American farmer continues to grow, it is important we invest in the next generation of food and agriculture. In Kansas, FFA members in 220 chapters will be our future farmers, ranchers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, communicators, and business people.” 

“On National FFA Week we recognize the critical role of FFA in promoting agricultural education and workforce development across the country,” said Rep. Langevin, who authored the National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Actwhich became law in 2019. “Leadership, innovation, and achievement in American agricultural education will be essential as we look to build a stronger, more resilient nation in the wake of the pandemic. I’m proud to join Congressman Mann to highlight the importance of creating pathways to success for the leaders of tomorrow and FFA’s commendable contributions to this effort.”

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H.Res.150 received broad support from outside organizations and in the House of Representatives. See what other FFA supporters had to say:
Doster Harper, National FFA President: “I’d like to thank US Representatives Tracey Mann and Jim Langevin for their work on the resolution commemorating the 2021 National FFA Week. Every year, more than 700,000 FFA members and 13,000 agricultural educators nationwide dedicate one week to showcase the positive impacts of FFA. This year, we also celebrate 50 years of National FFA Alumni and Supporters with an estimated 8 million alumni worldwide who have reaped the benefits of school-based agricultural education and membership in FFA. As our organization works to grow the next generation of leaders in agriculture, we greatly appreciate Representatives Langevin and Mann, other members cosponsoring the resolution, and everyone joining us in celebrating National FFA Week.” 

Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03): “The National FFA Organization has deep roots in Oklahoma.Across the country, National FFA makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, further strengthening their agricultural education while investing in their leadership potential and personal growth. As we celebrate National FFA Week, I’m proud to recognize the next generation of agricultural leaders, scientists, innovators, agri-businessmen and women, and the teachers and mentors who cultivate their future successes. Whether it’s because of Oklahoma FFA or any other state FFA organization, our future is in good hands thanks to these young leaders.” 

Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06): “As a high school student, FFA provided me with lasting skills in leadership. My story is just one of millions that have been positively impacted by the work of FFA. Although the organization has its roots in providing high-quality agricultural education, it has grown into so much more than that. Today, FFA provides valuable lessons in leadership, personal growth, career success, and community service to hundreds of thousands of students from urban and rural communities alike.”

 Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05): “For half a century, the National FFA has molded the minds and shaped the character of millions young of Americans who have a passion for agriculture—and the entire nation is better for it. In honor of the National FFA and all of the phenomenal work they do preparing the next generation of U.S. leaders, I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan resolution recognizing such an impressive and impactful organization.” 

Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03): “The FFA encourages young Nebraskans to get involved in the agriculture community. I am glad to support legislation designating a National FFA week and recognize the 50 years of opportunities the association has provided to producers of all ages from across the Third District and the country.” 

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (MO-04): “The National FFA Organization has an exemplary tradition of cultivating and educating our nation’s youth in the agriculture industry, producing an outstanding yield of future leaders over its 93 years of mentorship. I am proud to support this resolution acknowledging the FFA’s positive impact on the farming community and will continue to be an advocate of its goals here in Missouri and across our nation.” 

Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13). “I am proud to cosponsor this resolution designating February 20th through the 27th as National FFA Week. The thousands of high school students celebrating across Illinois are the future of agriculture. As a member of the House Ag Committee I wish them all the success in the world as they prepare themselves to feed and fuel us for years to come.”

 Rep. James Comer (KY-01): “As a former Kentucky State FFA President, I know firsthand the positive difference that FFA makes in the lives of students across America. On National FFA Week, I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the critical role this organization plays in developing the next generation of leaders and instilling them with a quality agricultural education.” 

Rep. Liz Cheney (WY-At Large): “Across Wyoming, we know how important farmers, ranchers, and the entire Ag industry are to our way of life. The National FFA Organization is instrumental in not only supporting this critical industry, but preparing future generations for success through agriculture education and the development of leadership capabilities. In our state, we have more than 50 local FFA chapters and over 3,300 members. As we recognize National FFA week, we celebrate the great work this organization has done at the local, state, and national level, and pledge our continued support to their efforts to change lives and create more opportunities for members.” 

 Rep. David Kustoff (TN-08): “Agriculture is the backbone of West Tennessee. With over 24,000 members of Tennessee FFA, this organization plays a key role in strengthening our local agricultural community and preparing our future generations for success. I look forward to officially establishing the week of February 20-27th to celebrate the FFA and the incredible impact is has on agriculture communities across our nation.”

 Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04): “Kansas farmers and ranchers are critical to supplying our world with food and ag products, and the FFA is working to ensure that we educate and train young rural leaders who are our next generation of ag producers and advocates. During National FFA Week, I’m so pleased to recognize the young men and women who are a part of this organization and the more than 8 million alumni worldwide.” 

Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27): “Agriculture plays a critical role in our nation, and the many farmers who contribute to this industry work hard each day to get food on tables across America. I support designating February 20-27 as National FFA Week becauseit’s important we celebrate the achievements of and inspire the next generation of America’s ag producers.” 

Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06): “Growing up in rural Virginia I saw first-hand the tremendous opportunities that the FFA provides to our local youth. This organization, which was founded in Virginia’s Sixth District, prepares the next generation of agricultural leaders, and I was pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to recognize February 20th through the 27th as National FFA Week. This recognition is well deserved, and I wish the organization and its members many more years of success.” 

Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01): “FFA is essential to educating America’s youth about all the great work that farmers, ranchers, producers and agribusinesses do for our nation’s communities. I’m proud to support Rep. Mann’s effort to establish February 20-27 as National FFA week, and I commend the tremendous efforts by FFA chapters across America to shape the future leaders of the agriculture industry,” 

Rep. Greg Pence (IN-06): “The National FFA Organization serves to mentor some of the most hardworking and inspiring young adults our nation has to offer. FFA is especially important to Indiana as our state will continue to host the National FFA Convention for years to come. It is my distinct honor to help introduce a resolution in Congress to recognize the role the National FFA Organization plays in developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture and to celebrate FFA’s many alumni and supporters.” 

 Rep Fred Keller (PA-12): “The FFA has a long-standing tradition of cultivating leadership and developing career success through agricultural education. Whether I’m attending a county fair, the Farm Show, or other agricultural events in Pennsylvania’s 12th District, I always appreciate catching up with our FFA students and hearing about the great work they are doing to better our communities. This year marks 50 years of National FFA alumni and supporters. What a better way to celebrate this milestone than to give this organization the recognition it deserves by celebrating the week of February 20 to February 27, 2021 as National FFA Week.”

Rep. Jerry Carl (AL-01): “The National FFA Organization, which has 15,280 members in Alabama, plays a critical role in developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of Alabama’s economy, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the importance of the role the FFA plays not just in Alabama, but also around the nation.” 

Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04): “I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution recognizing the important work FFA does to help build the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry, which is critically important to Iowa. I’d like to wish the over 16,000 FFA members from across the great state of Iowa a happy FFA week – thank you for your leadership and dedication to supporting Iowa agriculture!” 

Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10): “I’m proud to support FFA and applaud the organization for the important role it plays in preparing our next generation of farmers. The youth are our future, and this group of bright students will help ensure the United States remains a global leader in agriculture.”

 Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11): “The National FFA Organization is a fantastic organization fostering, educating, and encouraging the next generation of agriculture leaders. The agriculture industry quite literally supplies the food and fiber to feed our Nation and clothe our citizens. The FFA is doing great work by supporting more than 760,000 young people in all 50 states in their journey to become future leaders and innovators in this important industry, and I am honored to support National FFA Week and recognize their achievements.” 

The National FFA Organization was founded in 1928, and now has more than 760,000 member across the United States. Read the text of the resolution here.
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