The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Oct. 29 praised the election of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)  as Speaker of the House.

“Congressman Paul Ryan is the right person for the job as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,” Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Jim Holte said in a statement. “He is respected, experienced and trusted within politics and when addressing Wisconsin agricultural issues. We see him playing a critical role within leadership as he works to bring unity back to the fractured politics in Washington, D.C.”

Ryan’s record on agriculture  includes casting critical votes to pass the 2014 U.S. farm bill and improvements to the nation’s ports, locks and dams in the Water Resources Reform Development Act. He has also supported legislation addressing country of origin labeling repeal, voluntary GMO food labeling,  and wolf delisting.

Ryan was also the key figure in advancing trade promotion authority earlier this year.

“Ryan brings a common sense approach when addressing issues yet has a laser-like focus on topics such as fiscal policy and trade,” Holte said.

Ryan was first elected to Congress in 1998. He has taken on various leadership positions within the House of Representatives as House Budget Committee Chair and House Ways and Means Committee Chair. He is also a  seven-time recipient of the Friend of Farm Bureau Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation.