Bustos applauds passage of Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement applauding the Senate’s passage of the first bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill since 2008. The Farm Bill now goes to the President’s desk for his signature following the House’s passage of the bill last week.

“From the day I took office, I’ve fought to relieve the uncertainty and unpredictability that Illinois farmers have faced without a long-term Farm Bill. While not perfect, I’m encouraged that Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate have finally come together to pass a Farm Bill that will protect our region’s economy and critical nutrition programs. I urge the President to sign this important bill as soon as possible so that our farmers can continue to grow the food our nation, and world, rely on.”

The bill contains an amendment sponsored by Bustos that would quantify the impact upgrades to river transportation infrastructure, including the aging locks and dams along the Mississippi and Illinois River, would have on agriculture. Waterway infrastructure is a vital component in our agricultural markets and this amendment will strengthen the case for investments in river transportation improvement projects. The Farm Bill also provides for a stable and strong crop insurance program and maintains funding for programs that help feed hungry Illinois children and families.