Allen: “This Farm Bill is About Securing a Brighter Future for Rural America”2018 Farm Bill Headed to the President's Desk
Washington,
December 12, 2018
U.S. Congressman Rick W. Allen (R-Ga-12) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, better known as the farm bill. In July, Congressman Allen was selected as one of two conferees to represent the House Education and Workforce Committee during the farm bill conference process, where he worked closely with members of the House and Senate to finalize the Conference Report, which passed in both chambers this week. “At the end of the day, this farm bill is about securing a brighter future for rural America,” said Congressman Allen. “Facing a nearly 50% decline in net farm income over the past five years, our farmers and ranchers in Georgia and nationwide have had their backs against the wall for far too long. I can confidently say that today’s legislation sets us on a brighter path moving forward. As a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, I believe the agreement we have reached will strengthen the farm safety net and provide a sense of certainty and flexibility for those who feed and clothe our nation. “Yet, this legislation is not perfect. I was hopeful that the bill would go further to provide those currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with valuable opportunities to prepare for gainful employment. However, we made meaningful progress in improving program integrity and preserving the Administration’s flexibility to enhance SNAP policy in the future and put Americans back to work. This bill was a culmination of the hard work we have done on the Agriculture Committee since I first came to Congress, and I was happy to offer my support for the Agriculture Improvement Act today so that it may go to the President’s desk and reinvigorate rural America.” Key wins in the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act, are as follows:
Chairman on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11), said the following: “House Republicans refused to stop fighting for rural America and we’ve reached a deal that sets us on a better path – for producers, for rural communities and for American consumers. Rick has been a strong advocate and critical voice for production agriculture in this farm bill conference process and I’m thankful for his leadership, which helped get this across the finish line.” To view Congressman Allen's remarks on the House floor, please CLICK HERE. To view the full text of the Conference Report to H.R. 2, please CLICK HERE. ### |
