Farm Bureau applauds House Ag Committee farm bill markup, passage

Press release

WASHINGTON — American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented Friday, May 24, on the House Agriculture Committee markup and passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act.

“AFBF appreciates the leadership of Chairman Thompson and members of the House Agriculture Committee for the markup and bipartisan passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. The farm bill affects all of America’s families, and we’re encouraged to see the legislation progress in the House,” noted Duvall.

The Montana Farm Bureau has been encouraging movement on the farm bill for over a year, even taking a group of farmers and ranchers to interact directly with elected officials and committee staff about its importance back in February during MFBF’s Washington, D.C. Fly-in.

Nicole Rolf, senior director of governmental affairs for Montana Farm Bureau, said, “This legislation is of utmost importance to farmers, ranchers, rural communities and hungry Americans alike. We thank Chairman Thompson and his staff for their dedication to putting out a quality product that is responsive to these needs. Now we will continue the fight to get the bill over the finish line.”

Farm Bureau applauds the bipartisan vote after 13 hours of rigorous debate but knows that tight margins in both chambers and a crowded congressional calendar will present challenges in the next legislative steps.

  “Farm Bureau urges House leaders to continue the momentum and bring this important legislation to a vote on the floor,” said Duvall, adding, “We also urge the Senate Agriculture Committee to follow the lead of the House by scheduling a farm bill markup. A pandemic, high inflation, supply chain issues and global unrest all present challenges that can only be addressed by a new, modernized farm bill. This is an opportunity for both chambers to work to advance a piece of legislation that will pay off at every dinner table in America.”