Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Agriculture Committee introduced the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2). The bill helps address the economic challenges facing farmers and ranchers, while making historic investments in opportunities for SNAP recipients. Across the country, members continue offering their praise and support for the 2018 Farm Bill. Several of these members' comments are included below:

“Introduction of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 marks the culmination of years of hard work by the House Agriculture Committee, which has delivered a product that includes many important reforms. I am particularly proud of the reforms put forth for the SNAP program. Since 2015, the subcommittee has hosted 21 hearings on SNAP and received testimony from more than 80 witnesses on how to strengthen the program, while working in earnest toward the goal of ending hunger in America. While the bill continues SNAP assistance to our most vulnerable, the legislation also provides new opportunities for individuals who have been marginalized by lack of education or gainful employment. Today’s bill is about ensuring this critical safety net remains a viable program for years to come, especially for those who need it most.” – Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05)

“The American farmer is the greatest anti-poverty program the world has ever seen. Farmers are hurting though, and I have three priorities for this Farm Bill: to protect crop insurance, to increase market development abroad through trade and market access programs, and to affirm and fund our commitment to agricultural research, like the great work being done at Washington State University in my district. I’m proud to say that all three of these priorities are reflected in this bill and will continue to support Eastern Washington farmers and the food security they provide our country and the world.” – House GOP Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)

“After three years of hearings, research, and working with stakeholders, I’m proud to support this Farm Bill, which strengthens our nation’s food security and makes meaningful reforms to our social safety net. Introducing work and education requirements for physically and mentally able-bodied adults makes sure those who truly need assistance get it, and that job training or educational opportunities are available for everyone. There are more than 6 million job openings in the United States right now. We need to make sure our social safety net provides a pathway for relevant and useful job training so those jobs can be filled and American families can prosper.” – Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH-07)

“The Agriculture Committee is releasing a new farm bill. It includes reforms to help people on the SNAP program who are able to work find work, and start taking those steps toward making a good living. In states like Kansas and Maine, we have seen that an approach combining work requirements with work supports—like apprenticeships and skills training—has phenomenal success. This is going to help get more Americans out of poverty, and it’s going to help more Americans get into the workforce, while maintaining support for those in need. So I want to commend Chairman Conaway for his work. We look forward to making more progress on this agenda in the weeks ahead. And this was a critical component of our Better Way agenda that we’re excited about executing.” – Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01)

“SNAP provides an important safety net for many Americans, but I want it to be an on-ramp to success, not a lifestyle for work-capable adults. The new Farm Bill makes reasonable and streamlined changes to eligibility requirements that will result in more adults who are ready for the workforce. These changes will help people break out of the cycle of poverty and climb the economic ladder.” – Rep. Ralph Abraham (LA-05)

“We have a lot more work to get done, from welfare to work, making sure people are getting into the workforce. We’ll roll out with the farm bill showing that.” – House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)

“Today is the first step toward getting a five-year Farm Bill passed before the next fiscal year begins in September. Farmers, especially in Missouri, have been struggling with low prices over the past few seasons, and it’s essential we get this bill done in time to ensure they can continue to produce an abundance of food for the entire world. This reauthorization also continues to feed those in need, modernize SNAP eligibility requirements, and make a historic investment in job training programs for able-bodied adults receiving assistance through the SNAP program. I look forward to marking up next week’s Farm Bill with a full and open amendment process.” – Rep. Vicky Hartzler (MO-04)

“Producers across America and the 1st District of Arkansas feed and clothe millions here and around the world. With this task comes uncontrollable variables and risks. Today we revealed a new Farm Bill, a step forward in investing in not only our farmers but our nation’s future and food security." – Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01)

“The Farm Bill provides our farmers and ranchers the resources they need to expand our nation’s robust agriculture economy. … I thank Chairman Conaway for his leadership and look forward to next week’s mark-up. My hope is that this Farm Bill passes with bipartisan support through the Committee and on the House floor.” – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02)

“This has been a long time coming, and I am thrilled to have this bill released, and for it to be considered by the committee in the near future. I have heard my producers loud and clear. They want certainty; they want assurance that Washington is still working for them, this bill proves that we are listening,” – Rep. Roger Marshall (KS-01)

“I am pleased that the Farm Bill introduced today contains many provisions that will directly help Upstate New York farmers. …We need to ensure our government is providing the resources and support our Upstate farmers need to survive and prosper. Today’s bill that was introduced is a positive first step and I look forward to improving it even more as it moves through the legislative process.” – Rep. John Faso (NY-19)

“I am pleased to see the next Farm Bill introduced and filed today. A comprehensive Farm Bill is critical in supporting the efforts of our country’s hardworking farmers and ranchers to provide the most cost effective, plentiful, and safest food supply in the world. This legislation builds off the strengths of the 2014 Farm Bill and represents the best safety net for agricultural producers in challenging economic times.” – Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-3)

“For the last three years, Members of the Agriculture Committee have been working around the clock to craft a farm bill that meets the unique needs of our agriculture sector and rural America. ... This legislation also strengthens our nation’s nutrition programs to assist those who struggle to put food on the table, while helping people gain the skills necessary to secure well-paying jobs and achieve the American Dream.” – Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08)

“As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, we’ve spent the past three years working in Congress working to advance a strong Farm Bill. Farm policy is not created for the good years, it’s created for the bad ones. ... This bill today ensures they have the tools they need to weather these difficult years, manage risk, and stay competitive. Importantly, the bill also includes critical infrastructure resources for our rural America, such as new incentives to bring more broadband providers to remote areas – something I’ve worked very hard to secure. From the start, I said this committee’s bill should reflect the priorities of rural America, and now the public can examine the full text of this bill as the discussion moves forward.” – Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01)

“The 2018 Farm Bill seeks to strengthen the farm safety net and makes other important improvements to current law that will benefit our rural communities, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance the environment. Additionally, H.R. 2 streamlines and reduces regulatory burdens, significantly improves access to rural broadband, helps communities meet the challenges of the opioid crises, and maintains vital nutrition assistance for those who truly need it while increasing opportunities for these recipients to receive workforce training, get a job and improve their lives. This Farm Bill is the result of three years of legislative work, and I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee to put forth this common-sense bill.” – Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07)

“It is a good day for everyone who works in acres and not hours. I applaud Chairman Conaway and his staff for all their hard work in drafting the 2018 Agriculture and Nutrition Act. The countless meetings and listening sessions across the country have produced legislation that everyone can support. The investments in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will strengthen this program by providing food and job security for all who want to achieve economic independence. The farm bill introduced in committee provides certainty and assurances to America’s farmers and ranchers that will enable them to continue feeding the country and the world.” – Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-03)

“Building on the economic success we’ve had as a result of tax reform, this legislation also establishes real work requirements for our nutrition programs. While our work on this bill has been ongoing for some time, introduction is a big step in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work with the Agriculture Committee to advance this legislation.” – Rep. Kristi Noem (SD-AL)

“Our producers deserve to be supported with a strong Farm Bill, and I am pleased to see provisions included that will bring relief to North Dakotans. By fixing the ARC program, and maintaining the crop insurance and livestock forage programs, our agriculture community will benefit from the legislation. I will continue to work with the Agriculture Committee on the bill and am confident it will move swiftly through the full House and Senate.” – Rep. Kevin Cramer (ND-AL)

“However you've thought about the Farm Bill in the past, at first glance this text appears to include several seriously beneficial changes. In particular, conservative Members of Congress can be relieved that the Committee stuck with its commitment to ensuring that the nutrition program includes more than 35 improvements, including by instituting meaningful work requirements so that heads of households have real incentives to remain productive members of society. … From the regulatory standpoint, farmers and forestry win in this package, which means rural America wins as well. Congressman Conaway should be commended for the very tough task of introducing a smarter Farm Bill, and I look forward to reviewing the details with my constituents.” – Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04)

“With this farm bill, we have an opportunity to take meaningful steps forward in addressing the problems behind severe, uncontrollable wildfires. We look forward to working with the House Agriculture Committee and other Members to ensure that we will not end up having the Schumer fires of 2018 on our hands.” – Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01)

“I am glad to see substantial investment for broadband and forestry reforms included in the recently released text of the Farm Bill. In Colorado’s Third Congressional District, many rural families and businesses still do not have access to the resources they need to prosper. Statewide, wildfires threaten our communities. Targeted investments in broadband and additional tools for the Forest Service will not only ensure that those living in rural areas have more opportunities to succeed, but will also go to great lengths to protect our land and property from dangerous wildfires. I commend Chairman Conway for his good work and I look forward to advancing this legislation in the coming weeks.” – Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03)

“The Farm Bill draft released today shows that the legislation touches on all of the priorities I heard from growers and producers during my Farm Bill tour throughout Central Washington last week, and I commend Chairman Conaway for his hard work. It reauthorizes vital trade and agricultural export promotion programs. Also included in the bill is a boost to the very important research programs by fully funding the Specially Crop Research Initiative and increased funding for Specialty Crop Block Grants, which over the years have proved very beneficial to the state of Washington. I look forward to reviewing the final legislation.” – Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

“I applaud Chairman Conaway and the House Committee on Agriculture for putting forward a Farm Bill which addresses many of the top concerns of Kansans including $1.1 billion for broadband infrastructure, amendments to the Endangered Species Act which will streamline pesticide regulations, and protecting crop insurance for our farmers. I also look forward to building on the improvements made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program included in the bill.” – Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04)

“Alleviating the immense pressure put on our agriculture industry by removing unnecessary and duplicative regulations is a top priority. I look forward to carefully reviewing the recently released Farm Bill and to ensuring the priorities of our farmers, ranchers and those in the forestry industry are well represented in these discussions.” – Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04)

“The Farm Bill is essential to ensuring Oklahoma’s farmers have the tools they need to feed our country and the world. Many of its programs are crucial to maintain and strengthen our country’s agricultural exports, sustain the rare trade surplus for agricultural products, and provide farmers and ranchers credit in trying times. I’m looking forward to working alongside my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to pass a strong Farm Bill.” – Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02)