Congressman Austin Scott
I’ve spent my entire life in South Georgia. Raised in Tift County, where I’ve lived since I was a child, Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District is home. The people who live here are more than just constituents; they are my neighbors, friends, and family.
I was elected in 2010 to serve as the area’s United States Congressman, and since that time, representing the diverse needs of the Eighth Congressional District has not been simply a job I was elected to do—it has been more personal to me. Making sure your views and concerns are heard in Washington has been my first priority. Your interests, passions, trials, and tribulations are mine, and as a former small business owner in Tifton, I understand the needs of South Georgians. From our local farmers to those serving at our bases to our children’s teachers and our communities’ small businesses, I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you.
Congressman Austin Scott, who serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, frequently visits with South Georgia farmers.
This New Year brought with it a new Congress—the 115th Congress—and a new administration. With this, there are new legislative initiatives and new opportunities to achieve solutions that will serve the people of South Georgia.
Agriculture continues to be one of the driving forces of South Georgia’s economy, as our state is home to some of the highest producing peanut, cotton, and row crop farms in the entire nation. At a young age on my grandfather’s farm, I was taught how important farmers are to the state’s economy, as well as the health and well-being of American families across the country. That is why I am proud to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture and continue my role as chairman of the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. My subcommittee oversees rural development, agricultural credit, and the financial markets relating to agricultural commodity exchanges for products like cotton, corn, and wheat.
Representing Eighth District farmers’ priorities on the House Committee on Agriculture will be especially crucial now that we have begun the process of crafting our next Farm Bill. Harvest season last year was tough, but it proved why we need a Farm Bill—to help good farmers in bad times. It also showed us some areas where we can improve, and one thing I am hopeful to highlight is the need to incentivize young farmers and innovators to join the agriculture industry. The average age of farmers continues to increase at the same time as future population growth will require more food. Therefore, we will need to engage young Americans in agriculture production as well as agriculture science and research to help us produce more with less. Technological research and education of young farmers are vital to the growth of the agriculture industry in Georgia’s Eighth District.
I am honored to serve as the only Republican from Georgia on the House Armed Services Committee, representing Robins Air Force Base and Moody Air Force Base, as well as the defense communities that surround them. I take my responsibility as Georgia’s primary voice on military issues in the House of Representatives very seriously. Every year, the committee passes the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which lays out our defense priorities and authorizations for the following fiscal year. In years past, amendments that I introduced to secure funding for the A-10C Warthog, flown out of Moody Air Force Base, were successfully passed and included in the NDAA, ensuring this vital close-air support platform could continue to support our troops in the Middle East. I strongly believe Moody has a bright future.
Robins and Moody, as well as the seven other major military installations in Georgia, play a vital role in our national defense. Moody has the ability to transition from mission to mission, something other bases aren’t able to do, as well as the ability to take on new missions, like training pilots from our partner countries. This is not only a testament to the hardworking men and women at the base but also the strong community that surrounds Moody.
Congressman Austin Scott, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, is joined by Parker Greene, and U.S. Air Force personnel during a visit to Moody Air Force Base.
Over the past couple of months, I saw firsthand the togetherness and selflessness that my hometown, its constituents, and my neighbors are known for. Severe weather hit South Georgia especially hard earlier this year, and the devastation was heartbreaking. It was remarkable to see the swift response from those who volunteered, our first responders, our state and local governments, and our administration. While traveling through the affected areas to assess the damage and to ensure counties were receiving FEMA assistance, I was so touched by the outpouring of support from Georgians across the state, Governor Deal, and President Trump. Through a tragedy was a great a reminder of why I feel so blessed to represent Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District. I will continue to work hard on your behalf, and I look forward to the months ahead. Great things are in store for Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District!
In God We Trust,
Congressman Austin Scott
Eighth Congressional District
Austinscott.house.gov