Washington - Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) outlined the Republican plan to provide farmers with relief from the harmful effects of President Biden's agenda like skyrocketing input costs such as fertilizer and diesel fuel.
During a press conference hosted by Republican members of the House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Allen describedthe steps the Biden administration can take immediately to address high prices and the threat of future food shortages:
Stop the war on American energy. From canceling the Keystone XL pipeline to imposing a ban on all new oil and gas exploration, President Biden's regulatory agenda has sent energy costs soaring to record highs. The effects of this crisis have been especially pronounced among the nation's agricultural producers, who are now paying 115 percent more for diesel fuel needed to harvest crops.
Increase energy exploration. The president's agenda has compromised American energy independence, sending shockwaves through our already fractured supply chain. Additional energy exploration will help alleviate the higher costs on essential fuel sources such as diesel and natural gas.
Designate fertilizer inputs as critical minerals. The cost of fertilizer inputs such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium increased 125 percent from January 2021 to January 2022, subsequently increasing by an additional 17 percent in the first three months of this year. By updating the definition of critical minerals to include potash and phosphate, the Biden administration can help farmers ensure access to these essential materials.
These provisions are central to H.R. 8069, the Reducing Farm Input Costs and Barriers to Domestic Production Act, legislation introduced today by House Agriculture Committee Lead Republican Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-15), which Congressman Allen proudly co-sponsored.
Additionally, Congressman Allen joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and Ranking Member Thompson in sending a letter to President Biden this week, urging him to take immediate action to protect America's agricultural sector from further cost spikes and shortages.
In the letter, Republicans write: "Your administration’s federal regulatory barriers and policies are undermining America’s ability to meet the food and fiber needs of the globe by creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers and ranchers. We cannot afford to continue without a comprehensive plan to reverse course on this destructive agenda and address this crisis. We request that you immediately meet with Congressional Members to develop a plan that restores domestic production and allows American farmers to lower food prices at home and provide critical humanitarian aid abroad."
