Bipartisan lawmakers form alliance to support 4-H programs

U.S. Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), along with Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.), have formed the bipartisan 4-H Congressional Caucus in the 119th Congress.

The caucus will serve as a platform to advance federal policy and investment in Cooperative Extension’s 4-H programs, which reach nearly 6 million youth around the country through hands-on learning in agriculture, STEM, health, and civic engagement. With strong bipartisan leadership, the caucus will elevate the importance of positive youth development and build a workforce and society that’s prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Caucus leaders are united in their support of 4-H’s Beyond Ready initiative — a far-reaching effort to equip 10 million young people with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in work, life, and community. From career readiness to civic leadership, 4-H youth are gaining real-world experience through locally rooted programs led by land-grant universities and their Cooperative Extension partners.

“Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H is preparing young leaders for future careers while helping them build character, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose,” says Jill Bramble, President and CEO, National 4-H Council. “This bipartisan Caucus strengthens our ability to bring those life-shaping opportunities to even more youth, in every corner of the country.”

At a time when the nation faces pressing challenges across its workforce, food systems, and civic infrastructure, the 4-H Congressional Caucus hopes to be a powerful, bipartisan investment in America’s future — one that recognizes that the next generation must be Beyond Ready to meet the moment.

“With support from the 4-H Caucus, we can invest in more youth across rural, suburban, and urban communities,” said Vonda Richardson, Director and Associate Administrator, Cooperative Extension, Florida A&M University and Chair, Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP). “We are grateful to the Caucus Co-Chairs for recognizing the value of Cooperative

Extension and the power of 4-H to inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”

The Caucus will convene briefings, events, and discussions throughout the year to inform federal policymaking and amplify the voices of young leaders making a difference through 4-H. Additional members are expected to join before the July 4 recess.