Spanberger Statement on Status of Farm Bill Negotiations, Need to Provide Virginia Farmers with Disaster Relief

Congresswoman: “Any Extension Passed in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Must include Urgent Disaster Relief”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger — the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee — today released the following statement on the status of Farm Bill negotiations.

“The Farm Bill is already more than one year overdue. Vital programs have expired, and Virginia agriculture is feeling the pressure. Leadership cannot afford to delay any longer, especially when communities across Southwest Virginia and the Southeastern United States need additional resources in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“While I am disappointed that Speaker Johnson and the Republican House majority are moving toward yet another Farm Bill extension, Congress must address the needs of the farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners across our Commonwealth and country.

“Any extension passed in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate must include urgent disaster relief. We need more than just a stopgap measure — we need to address the needs of the millions who rely on the Farm Bill while also helping our rural communities recover and rebuild.”

BACKGROUND

In March 2023, Spanberger was ranked the most effective Member of Congress — in either the U.S. House or U.S. Senate — on agriculture issues.

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