Chair Stabenow, Chair Thompson, Ranking Member Boozman, Ranking Member Scott:
On behalf of the National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, International City/County Management Association and The Council of State Governments, we write to urge swift, bipartisan passage of the farm bill. The farm bill is a vital piece of historically bipartisan legislation that governs not only American agriculture, but also nutrition standards, rural economic development, infrastructure, wildfire mitigation and more. States, counties and cities continue to stand ready to work with you to reauthorize this crucial bill.
Continued uncertainty around the status of the farm bill is causing acute concern in communities across the country. While an extension of the current legislation remains an option, the overwhelming preference of our collective memberships is passage of a comprehensive farm bill. Passing an extension would require restarting negotiations in the 119th Congress, leading to further delays and uncertainty. As Congress continues to negotiate language, our organizations reaffirm our support for the following:
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Fortifying the existing agriculture workforce to sustain critical food supply chains
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Catalyzing economic development and supporting rural communities
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Maintaining a robust and stable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
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Continuing conservation and forest management programs at current levels, as well as commodities and crop insurance
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Preserving funding for research and development initiatives
Passing a new, comprehensive farm bill is vital to maintaining America's agricultural productivity and security, growing our rural economies and providing vital nutrition assistance programs. Our organizations call on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to work together and pass the farm bill before the close of the 118th Congress. We stand ready to work with you and your committees to ensure certainty and stability for the residents we serve. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Ben Nasta (NCSL) at 202-624-3597 or [email protected]; Tim Carlton (NGA) at 202-624-5341 or [email protected]; Owen Hart (NACo) at 202-942-4280 or [email protected]; Carolyn Berndt (NLC) at 202-626-3101 or [email protected]; Crystal Swann (USCM) at 202-293-7330 or [email protected]; Amber Snowden (ICMA) at 202-460-2280 or [email protected]; or Jay Nelson (CSG) at [email protected].
Sincerely,
- Tim Storey
Chief Executive Officer
National Conference of State Legislatures
- Matthew D. Chase
CEO and Executive Director
National Association of Counties
- Tom Cochran
CEO and Executive Director
The United States Conference of Mayors
- Marc A. Ott
Executive Director
International City/County Management Association
- David Adkins
Executive Director/CEO
The Council of State Government
- Clarence E. Anthony
CEO and Executive Director
National League of Cities