Big ‘I’ Urges Congress to Protect Agriculture

In its continuing efforts to protect the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), the Big “I” recently sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and House Budget Committee chairs, urging them to reject calls for additional cuts within the jurisdiction of the Senate and House agriculture committees.

Specifically, the letter asks leaders to oppose any additional cuts to agriculture programs in the FY2018 appropriations process as both chambers begin laying the groundwork for the 2018 Farm Bill.

The letter reminds Congress that the 2014 Farm Bill, which President Obama signed into law after it passed Congress with bipartisan support, contributed an estimated $23 billion to deficit reduction over 10 years at the time of passage. The agriculture committees made the choices necessary to deliver a bipartisan bill, and this was the first time a farm bill voluntarily reduced spending before Congress began considering the bill. It was the only reauthorization bill in that Congress which voluntarily offered savings.

The letter also highlights the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) January 2017 baseline estimates that the 2014 Farm Bill cost far less than projected. According to the CBO, nutrition and crop insurance alone will spend nearly $100 billion less, while mandatory‎ federal spending outside the agriculture committees’ jurisdiction increased over the same time period.

As Congress begins consideration of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Big “I” will continue defending the FCIP and the role of the agent in selling and servicing crop insurance policies. Crop insurance will be a key issue at this year’s Big “I” Legislative Conference, May 3-5 in Washington, D.C.

Jen McPhillips is Big “I” vice president of federal government affairs.