Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) released the following statement after voting ‘no’ on the Farm Bill after a two-day U.S. House Agriculture Committee markup.
“Farmers are struggling and families are feeling the squeeze because of this administration’s policies, particularly tariffs. Yesterday’s Farm Bill markup was a missed opportunity to deliver a bill that supports American farmers, lowers costs, and helps feed working families. Unfortunately, House Republicans again put politics ahead of farmers.
“During the amendment process, we made several bipartisan improvements to the bill. I was proud to secure four provisions — the most of any Democrat — and I’m proud of those wins.
“But the underlying bill still falls short. Republicans failed to address Trump’s tariffs, refused to reverse their $287 billion SNAP cuts, denied emergency aid to farmers at risk of losing their farms, made a sweetheart deal with multi-billion-dollar cancer-causing corporations, and rolled back protections that help keep our drinking water clean.
“I will always do what is best for the farmers and producers of Virginia’s Seventh District. Unfortunately, that meant voting no on a Farm Bill that does not meet the moment. I look forward to continuing to engage as this bill moves forward in the legislative process.”
KEY VINDMAN WINS FOR PRODUCERS IN VIRGINIA’S SEVENTH DISTRICT:
- If You See It, Squish It Act: Requires USDA to launch a nationwide public education effort to protect American agriculture from the invasive spotted lanternfly, which threatens specialty crops around the country — including Virginia’s $8 billion wine industry.
- REAP Modernization Act: Modernizes and expands the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), making it easier for farmers and rural small businesses to apply and cut their energy costs. The bill cuts red tape, adds new technical assistance for applicants, and creates a reserve fund to back emerging renewable energy tech on farms and ranches.
- Farm Credit Adjustment Act: Cuts red tape for small, low-risk Farm Credit institutions like Colonial Farm Credit in VA-07, ensuring that they can serve farmers during the busy growing season.
- Organic Transition Research Program: Secured a key victory for organic agriculture by including an amendment establishing a competitive grant program to fund research into transitioning farms to organic production, helping farmers overcome barriers to going organic while advancing our understanding of how organic practices improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gases, and protect biodiversity. This policy is a part of his Organic Science and Research Investment Act.
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