Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre will be one of the co-chairmen of the Congressional Rural Caucus in the 113th Congress.

“Rural communities, counties, and crossroads are the backbone of North Carolina,” McIntrye said. “We must do all we can to help them thrive, create opportunity, and protect their wonderful way of life. The Congressional Rural Caucus is a voice in Congress for these issues, and I am honored to serve in this critical position.?

The bi-partisan Congressional Rural Caucus provides a forum to find workable solutions to such issues including education, health care, job creation, and telecommunications. The caucus will work to strengthen rural communities, help them prepare for the future, and jumpstart initiatives to rejuvenate rural communities struggling under today’s difficult economic conditions.

Out of 100 total counties, 85 North Carolina counties are considered rural. Among the rural counties, 80 have a population of fewer than 250 people per square mile.

Joining Congressman McIntyre as co-chair is Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska who stated, “Rural Americans need a strong voice in Congress to represent their interests, regardless of party or geography. I look forward to continuing to serve as a co-chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus, and am excited Congressman McIntyre will be working with me to raise awareness of and address the shared challenges of rural communities.”