House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson seeks waiver to remain as the panel's top Republican leader next year.

Although he is currently term-limited in the role, Thompson requested the waiver to build on recent Republican wins. He has served as the top Republican on the Agriculture Committee since the start of 2021, succeeding former Representative Mike Conaway. Thompson led the committee in drafting a massive overhaul of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which included spending cuts to fund updates for farmer-facing programs and tax cuts. He also drafted the House farm bill that passed out of the chamber in April. Other priorities for Thompson include expanding the H-2A visa program and addressing workforce shortages. The move will trigger a scramble among senior Republicans for the position. Representative Austin Scott has already privately approached GOP leaders about succeeding Thompson. The committee's current ranking member, Representative Angie Craig, will not return to the House next year, leaving Representative Shontel Brown and other caucus members to vie for the role.