The bipartisan 2018 Senate Farm Bill passed on Thursday 86-11. Indiana Senators Joe Donnelly (D) and Todd Young (R) cast ‘Yea’ votes in support of the bill.
Donnelly said of the bill, “I’m proud to have brought the wisdom from Hoosier farmers to this bipartisan bill. Indiana’s farmers are having to navigate significant challenges – from depressed commodity prices to chaotic trade markets and uncertain federal policies from WOTUS to the RFS. I am proud that we’ve been able to pass a strong, bipartisan farm bill in the Senate. It’s a step towards providing some much need stability for our farmers. Now it’s time to get to work reconciling our differences with the House so we can get the bill to the president’s desk.”
Young said, “It’s important we protect Indiana’s robust and active farming community and the priorities of Hoosier farmers. In times of declining profitability, timely passage of a Farm Bill will provide much-needed certainty to our farmers and rural communities. I’m glad the Senate was able to timely consider and pass a bipartisan Farm Bill today. Our farmers contribute to our tables and our economy, and I’ll continue my efforts to ensure Indiana remains a leader in feeding the world.”
Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron issued the following statement:
“Today’s passage of the Senate version of the farm bill is a great step forward in the process of renewing this critical piece of legislation for another five years. Indiana’s farmers have a lot to deal with right now, whether it’s the threat of trade tariffs or falling commodity prices. The programs in the farm bill help farmers plan for future planting seasons and provides them with the risk management tools they need to keep operations running. Indiana Farm Bureau will continue to stress the importance of the farm bill with our representatives in Congress as the legislation moves to conference committee.”