WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. This legislation passed by a bipartisan vote of 224-200.
“Rural America is in dire straits. I have heard from farmers, ranchers, and producers across Central Washington about their continued struggles due to high input prices, market disruptions, and labor costs,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This is why the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is desperately needed. This important legislation will strengthen support for the over 250 specialty crop growers in the Fourth District alone, improve access to much-needed crop insurance, invest in agricultural export programs, and reauthorize voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. As a third-generation farmer in the Yakima Valley, I know firsthand the challenges farm country is facing, and the importance of reauthorizing the Farm Bill. I urge the Senate to act swiftly so we can deliver for Rural America.”
Background
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 was introduced on February 13, 2026, and would reauthorize U.S. Department of Agriculture programs through 2031. Its focuses include investing in farming, expanding trade efforts, enhancing domestic fertilizer production, and boosts national security regarding foreign ownership of farmland.
This legislation also makes significant investments in the specialty crop industry by providing over $1 billion for programs that enhance their competitiveness and supports specialty crop research.
Earlier this year on March 5, 2026, Rep. Newhouse voted to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 from the House Agriculture Committee. The legislation advanced with a bipartisan vote of 34-17.
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