The Nonpartisan “Center for Effective Lawmaking” Scored the Congresswoman as the Most Effective Ag-Focused Member in Either the U.S. House or U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) ranked U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger as the most effective Member of Congress — in either the U.S. House or U.S. Senate — on issues pertaining to agriculture.

With a score of 48.7, Spanberger received the highest effectiveness ranking on agriculture issues for the 117th Congress.

“As 2023 Farm Bill negotiations continue, I remain focused on delivering results for our Commonwealth’s crop and livestock producers. This focus on getting things done — not grandstanding — is how we protect America’s farm families, support agribusinesses, and give a voice to rural America,” said Spanberger. “I’m proud to be ranked as the most effective lawmaker on agriculture issues in either chamber, and I’m committed to bringing Virginia’s farmers to the decision-making table. As the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, I take this responsibility seriously.”

During the 117th Congress, Spanberger served as Chair of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee.

Last year, the President signed into law Spanberger’s bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act, which breaks down barriers for farmers, ranchers, and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets. Additionally, Spanberger spearheaded a $20 billion investment in American agriculture and conservation through provisions from her bipartisan REAP Improvement Act and Climate Stewardship Act — provisionsthat were signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

And in June 2022, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House voted to pass Spanberger’s legislation — the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act — to lower costs at the grocery store, reduce gas prices, strengthen food supply chains, and increase competition in the American meat industry.

CEL also ranked Spanberger as one of the top-20 most-effective U.S. House Democrats on all issues — and only one U.S. Senator had a higher overall effectiveness score than Spanberger.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CEL is a joint partnership between the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Vanderbilt University. Last week, CEL released its Legislative Effective Scores (LES) for the recently completed 117th Congress. Click here to access the full CEL rankings — including by issue area.

According to CEL, these scores are based on the combination of 15 metrics regarding the bills that each Member of Congress sponsors, the status of this legislation, and the substance of their policy proposals. Click here for more about CEL’s LES methodology.

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has long been recognized for her focus on agriculture issues, her commitment to getting things done, and her work with both parties on behalf of the Virginians she serves.

Last month, the Virginia Farm Bureau gave Spanberger their “Friend of Farm Bureau Award” for her record of supporting Virginia’s crop and livestock producers.

And last year, Spanberger was ranked as the most bipartisan Member of Congress from Virginia, as well as one of the top-five most bipartisan Members in the entire U.S. House.

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