U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry

In the early 19th century, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Manufacturers focused on agriculture issues. However the Committee eventually became mired in controversy over the issue of tariffs, as business and manufacturing interests were often at odds. In 1825, the Senate debated dividing the Committee on Commerce and Manufacturers to avoid these conflicts. As this time, Senator William Findlay, a Republican from Pennsylvania, submitted a resolution providing for the creation of a standing Committee on Agriculture. Senator Findlay pointed out that while commerce and manufacturing were two equal components of the American economy, like a three-legged stool, there was one other important segment being left out. He argued that agriculture was one of `three great branches of domestic industry` along with commerce and manufacturing. All three, he claimed, were equally entitled to the care and protection of the Government.