More than 500 organizations have collectively urged Congress to pass a new farm bill, recognizing the urgency as legislative time dwindles. Chad Smith reports that these organizations highlight the critical nature of this legislation.
"The American Farm Bureau Federation and 529 other organizations joined together to tell lawmakers that programs that benefit every family in America are too important to put off any longer," said Joe Gilson, director of congressional relations for AFBF. The letter addressed to Congress emphasized the need for a modernized farm bill.
"So the letter was sent with 530 organizations represented all parts of the farm bill coalition, asking for a new bipartisan five-year farm bill this year, because we're getting too close to the end of Congress," Gilson explained. "If we do not pass a new farm bill and push it to the next Congress, there are significant legislative and administrative duties in a new Congress, and it's just going to be pushed down the road even further."
Gilson stressed that every American is affected by the farm bill. "There are so many parts of the farm bill that touch Americans, from growing food to nutrition for low-income families, to making sure we have the resources to properly take care of the environment. So, it’s a really important bill to a lot of Americans, and it was great to see so many organizations sign on to the letter."
The broad support from over 500 groups underscores the importance of passing this legislation promptly. "I think it tells Congress that there is still a need to pass a bill this year," Gilson noted. "And I know that this whole Congress, people have been telling them that. And I think we just wanted to make the point that we haven’t given up yet. We still think, with the right leadership, they can advance this bill and get something done."
Gilson concluded by encouraging Farm Bureau members to call their elected officials and urge them to complete the process.
Chad Smith reporting from Washington.
