Farm Bureau Keeps Boots on the Ground During Busy Week in D.C.
Zippy Duvall
President
Chad Smith
Associate News Service Editor, NAFB
Several hot topics are making waves in Washington, D.C. this week and the American Farm Bureau Federation is keeping track of all of them. Chad Smith has the details.
Smith: Just one month after a new Congress was sworn in and two weeks after a new president was inaugurated, our nation’s capital is already buzzing with a number of important happenings. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the top of everyone’s mind is the tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China recently announced by President Trump.
Duvall: This caused concerns among our members that these tariffs would drive up the price of important supplies and that retaliatory tariffs would hurt agriculture. However, we're encouraged that President Trump was able to work out an agreement with Mexico and Canada to pause the tariffs for 30 days. We hope that all sides will be able to resolve these disputes, avoid costly trade disruptions, and keep international markets accessible while ensuring a stable food supply here at home.
Smith: Aside from the White House, there are a lot of issues for Congress to deal with, including the confirmation hearing of the nominee for Secretary of Agriculture.
Duvall: We are pleased to see Brooke Rollins’ nomination advance unanimously out of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Brooke Rollins has the leadership experience and deep commitment to American agriculture needed to be Secretary of Agriculture. Farm Bureau sent a letter to the Senate leadership urging swift confirmation, and we're looking forward to a full Senate vote soon.
Smith: Duvall will soon testify before the Senate Ag Committee about the challenges facing American farmers and ranchers.
Duvall: These challenges include the lack of a new, updated farm bill, a tax cliff that we are barreling toward this year, ongoing labor challenges, and potential disruptions in free trade. Congress must look out for farmers and ranchers so that we can, in turn, ensure America’s pantries continue to be stocked.
Smith: Learn more about all three topics at fb.org/news. Chad Smith, Washington.
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