FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 16, 2023
CONTACT: [email protected]
One Country on Congress Extending Deadline for Essential Farm Bill to September 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, former Senator and One Country Project (OCP) founder Heidi Heitkamp commented on Congress’ passed resolution to avert a government shutdown and extend the 2018 Farm Bill through September 2024:
“It is a relief that the Farm Bill will not lapse, but Congress does not deserve a round of applause for doing the bare minimum. Putting the Farm Bill on autopilot is no substitute for making a real plan to invest in the future of rural America.
“People working in America’s farms, fields, and rural factories don't get a pass when they miss a harvest or show up late to a shift, and Congress shouldn’t either. Hard working rural families, farmers, and business owners are the backbone of America, yet for the past several years they have faced tumultuous times brought on by technological change, supply chain shortages, and regional inequities, all of which were exasperated by a global pandemic. Instead of kicking the can down the road Congress must act early in the new year and invest in programs that reinvigorate the entire rural economy and meaningfully improve the health and food security of rural communities. Rural America deserves to be a top priority, and Congress should seize the opportunity to write the roadmap for living, working, and succeeding in rural communities.”
As an organization focused on ensuring rural America’s needs and values are heard and reflected in policy in Washington, OCP has proposed a series of policies for inclusion in the Farm Bill that would secure the farming foundation, grow rural America, and make it easier to live and succeed in rural communities.
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About One Country Project
Rural America holds an essential role in moving the United States forward and the One Country Project is dedicated to ensuring Rural America’s priorities and values are heard and reflected in policy at the federal level. To learn more, visit us at www.onecountryproject.com or on Twitter or Facebook.