House, Senate reach agreement on long-term, bipartisan farm bill
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House and Senate negotiators announced an agreement on a five-year, bipartisan, bicameral farm bill. Loebsack has been fighting to finish a long-term farm bill since the last one expired over two years ago. He also fought to ensure the bill would include robust funding for the Energy Title in the farm bill. The Farm Bill Conference Report contains important investments in programs to help farmers and rural small businesses be able to continue to create jobs and grow our rural economy in a value-added and sustainable way.
"While this legislation is long past due and does not contain everything I would have included, I am pleased that Congress finally came together and completed a long-term, bipartisan farm bill. This bill contains much needed reforms, lowers the deficit, and provides farmers and rural communities with the stability they need.
"I am proud that the farm bill contains important investments in energy projects that put people to work, create entrepreneurial opportunities, and generate new value-added opportunities for our farmers, rural small businesses, and communities, even though it didn't included everything desired. I am also pleased that the negotiators were able to find an agreeable path forward on anti-hunger initiatives, known as SNAP, that closes loop-holes but also allows those who need assistance to receive it.
"I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure this legislation is fully implemented and provides the necessary support for our farmers, rural communities and economy."
###
