Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After 2 years of start and stop negotiations, this week Congress passed a farm bill reauthorization. Missing were many of the agriculture and nutrition reforms the House of Representatives added over the summer of 2013, which would both better use existing resources and save taxpayer dollars. Congressman Brad Wenstrup, who has supported past versions of the farm bill, said he was disappointed these reforms were not included in the final version of the farm bill.

“Our farmers deserve certainty from Washington, but our taxpayers also deserve to know that their money is spent wisely. It’s unfortunate that Washington has transformed a needed farm bill into a bloated spending bill that goes far beyond the focus of our agricultural community,” Wenstrup said. “While I am glad our farmers have finally gained certainty for the next 5 years, I could not support a farm bill where 80 percent of spending doesn’t go towards agriculture.”

Wenstrup commended Rep. Frank Lucas, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, on working through extensive negotiations over the last couple years and taking conservative concerns into account. The historic move by the House of Representatives to split the Farm Bill into separate agriculture and nutrition legislation was unable to overcome strong opposition from the Senate and President.

 ###

Office of Representative Brad Wenstrup