On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture voted to advance H.R. 2, “The Agriculture and Nutrition Act,” by Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas). The bill moved through committee on primarily partisan lines because it is surrounded by controversy related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The proposed changes to the SNAP program, which include amended work and training requirements, caused bipartisan negotiations on the overall Farm Bill to break down in March and may ultimately derail passage of the House’s version of the Farm Bill as it heads to the floor.

In contract, the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) sees minimal changes in H.R. 2. The provisions of the bill that relate to the FCIP have not been a point of contention in the Committee and received little discussion during the markup. Ahead of Wednesday’s markup, the Big “I” and five other crop insurance organizations sent a letter to the Committee applauding its support of the FCIP.

Despite broad bipartisan support for the FCIP, the Big “I” still expects attacks on the program as the 2018 Farm Bill moves through the legislative process, including the potential consideration of amendments to the bill that would harm the FCIP.

The Big “I” will oppose any amendment, proposal or legislation that would increase the cost of crop insurance to farmers; reduce the number of farmers eligible for crop insurance and thereby destabilize the FCIP risk pool; or weaken the efficient and effective private-sector delivery of crop insurance.

The Big “I” supports the FCIP as crop insurance is critical for the security of America’s economy and food supply. Crop insurance program is an example of a successful private-public partnership in which independent agents play a vital role.

Jennifer Webb is Big “I” federal government affairs counsel.