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Costa Votes for Valley Farmers and Families

May 18, 2018

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House of Representatives rejected H.R. 2 – commonly referred to as the Farm Bill – by a vote of 198 to 213:

"The Farm Bill the House rejected today is a clear example of what happens when Republicans and Democrats fail to work together: bad policy that serves too few Americans. Today's vote makes clear that the Farm Bill is too big and too important to pass in the House using partisan arm-twisting. This bill could not get enough support in the House because it simply fails to serve our nation's food needs. It does not do enough to support our food system or our food security.

"American agriculture needs a Farm Bill that promotes trade, adequately supports dairy producers, and assists specialty crop farmers. Our nation needs a Farm Bill that feeds Americans, ensures our food producers can be successful, and supports our food security and food safety net. Sadly, the Farm Bill we voted on today not only fails to meet these basic tests, but it also increases food insecurity and further divides our country along both partisan and regional lines.

"My vote against this version of the Farm Bill was a vote to return to the bipartisan, deliberative policy process that has historically resulted in successful farm and nutrition programs – programs that advance the interests of all Americans. It was a vote demanding fair support for our San Joaquin Valley farmers and families. It was a vote for a good Farm Bill, one that actually serves our food producers, feeds Americans, and provides our nation with food security. The Senate is currently working on such a bipartisan, solution-oriented bill, and I hope we take up this serious piece of legislation and get back to work on America's food bill soon."

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Issues:Agriculture