Alabama House delegation backs $867B Farm Bill

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With the support of the entire Alabama delegation, the U.S. House of Representatives easily passed the compromise Farm Bill on Wednesday by a vote of 369-47. The bill now advances to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.

 The 2018 Farm Bill, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, supports and sustains Alabama’s farmers and foresters by reauthorizing farm programs and directing the nation’s agricultural policy for the next five years.  Despite recent gains in manufacturing, Alabama remains an agriculture state. Farming, forestry, livestock and crop production represent more than $70 billion in annual economic output in Alabama.

Among the many important provisions, the bill:

  • Provides a nationwide yield update for Price Loss Coverage (PLC), beginning with the 2020 crop year and allowing PLC to better respond to market conditions;
  • Makes several key improvements to Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), including increased yield plugs and yield trend adjustments;
  • Protects and improving crop insurance;
  • Invests in research, extension, and education projects;
  • Protects farmers from additional costly and burdensome red tape.s

Here’s what the Alabama House delegation is saying about their votes:

Bradley Byrne_YesAlabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne:

Our farmers and foresters are our future. I am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation to better support our farmers in Alabama and throughout the country.

The 2018 Farm Bill will allow for improved crop protections and loan options for farmers, incentivize rural development, support animal disease prevention and management, and will continue our nation’s commitment to agriculture and farmers.

I am especially pleased to see the substantial resources provided to improve rural broadband access to communities. Providing Internet access to people in rural Alabama is absolutely critical to economic development and the success of these communities in the 21st Century.

Martha Roby_YesAlabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby:

In Alabama’s Second District, agriculture is the largest employer. It is imperative that Congress honor our commitments to the hardworking farmers and producers across the country. The 2018 farm bill provides certainty to the American families who work every day to provide the food and fiber we depend on. I was proud to support this legislation on behalf of the farmers I represent, and I am eager to see President Trump sign it into law.

Mike Rogers_YesAlabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers:

Was proud to sign the #FarmBill Conference Report this week after a lot of hard work. Can’t wait to get it to President Trump’s desk!#AL03 #Ag

Robert Aderholt_YesAlabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt:

No statement available at this time.

Mo Brooks_YesAlabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks:

No statement available at this time.

Gary Palmer_YesAlabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer:

No statement available at this time.

Terri Sewell_YesAlabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:

No statement available at this time.