As the House considers H.R. 2, the “Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018,” NTU urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on the following amendments that would improve the underlying bill for both taxpayers and farm businesses:
Amd. 1 (32), Reps. Foxx (R-VA), Davis (D-IL), et al: This bipartisan “Sugar Policy Modernization” amendment would bring smart reforms to the antiquated sugar program. These reforms would increase flexibility in a restrictive marketplace that increases costs for consumers and food manufacturers and puts hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. First established in 1934, the sugar program is long overdue for reforms that reflect our modern, global economy. **This amendment will be significantly weighted.**
Amd. 16 (10), Reps. Biggs (R-AZ) & Francis Rooney (R-FL): This amendment would repeal the bioenergy subsidy programs established in the 2002 farm bill. Taxpayer subsidization of biomass renewable energy projects has led to a host of downstream unintended consequences and costs for taxpayers. Innovation in any sector, including energy, is best pursued when government isn’t playing favorites.
Amd. 24 (71), Reps. Brat (R-VA), Blumenauer (D-OR), & Titus (D-NV): This commonsense amendment would bring much-needed transparency and accountability to checkoff programs. These mandatory programs raise costs for consumers and are sometimes used by large businesses to muscle competition out of the marketplace. Amd. 71 would provide much-needed protections for consumers and small-scale producers.
Amd. 25 (30), Reps. Massie (R-KY), Rohrabacher (R-CA), & Polis (D-CO): This amendment would permit interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products between states that permit consumption of these goods, getting the federal government out of what should be an individual choice.
Amd. 31 (16), Reps. Banks (R-IN), Gosar (R-AZ), et al: This amendment would repeal the draconian “Waters of the U.S.” or WOTUS Rule. This unjustifiable application of the Clean Water Rule is a massive expansion of federal authority that increases costs and other regulatory burdens on farm businesses.
Overall, we are disappointed that more pro-taxpayer amendments were not made in order. Until the mid-1990s, most farm bills had been considered under an open rule, giving ample time for a free exchange and debate of ideas. Legislators only get to address these policies that have a significant impact on consumers, the federal budget, and our economy, every five years. Particularly at a time when our national debt has topped $21 trillion, lawmakers should be provided every opportunity to fully consider and weigh fiscally responsible proposals of their colleagues.
Roll call votes these amendments to H.R. 2 will be included in our annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.