May 14, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-TX) is scheduled to bring the 2018 Farm Bill to the House floor this week for debate and a vot, and ag groups are eyeing dozens of potential amendments that could bolster or derail the massive bill.
The House Rules Committee will meet late Tuesday to decide which amendments can go forward, but USA Rice is not waiting for the final list.
“We know there are some controversial proposals being considered that could dismantle the farm safety net whether they directly intend to or not,” said Ben Mosely, USA Rice vice president of government affairs. “We’re asking our members to contact their representatives now to remind them the impact rice has on their districts and to oppose any amendments that threaten the livelihood of U.S. farmers.”
Mosely said he is specifically tracking amendments that would weaken the safety net for farmers, including unworkable pay limits and AGI testing, and amendments that threaten crop insurance. He also said attempts to harm sugar programs would likely doom the legislation.
“USA Rice supports Chairman Conaway and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) in their opposition to harmful amendments that jeopardize the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill,” Mosely said. “The primary purpose of any Farm Bill is to ensure farmers have the tools they need to protect themselves against external events beyond their control, such as weather, natural disasters, disease, tariffs, and trade barriers. A strong Farm Bill in 2018 is essential to provide long-term certainty for farmers in a time of steep decline in net farm income since the last Farm Bill of 2014.”