Little Apple Times

May 22, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. Rep. Mann is a member of the House Agriculture Committee, which will markup the Farm Bill on Thursday, May 23.

Rep. Mann represents Kansas' Big First District, which ranks third in agricultural production nationwide and first in beef, wheat, and sorghum production. In May 2023, Rep. Mann and House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson hosted a Farm Bill listening session in Gypsum, Kansas to gather input from local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders. The session was attended by 150 people.

"Mr. Speaker, this is a week that farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in my state have long-awaited," said Rep. Mann during his remarks. "The House Agriculture Committee will finally markup a five-year Farm Bill."

He expressed gratitude to Chairman G.T. Thompson for leading the committee in developing a bipartisan and fiscally conservative Farm Bill that aims to provide certainty for farmers and ranchers.

"Around this time last year," continued Rep. Mann, "the Chairman and I hosted a Farm Bill listening session in the middle of a wheat field in my District." He emphasized that Kansans were clear about their need for a bill that provides stability as they work to feed and clothe the world.

Rep. Mann highlighted challenges faced by Kansas farmers due to extreme weather conditions over recent years and stressed the importance of strengthening the farm safety net through measures such as crop insurance protection.

"The reality is Mother Nature is a very difficult business partner," he stated. "One bad crop year could put the livelihood of our producers and their families at risk."

The proposed bill also aims to maintain American food independence by investing in agricultural research and innovation at institutions like Kansas State University and the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

"This work...depends on a five-year Farm Bill that prioritizes food security as national security," said Rep. Mann.

Additionally, he noted that the bill makes significant investments in programs like the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development cooperator programs to ensure American producers remain competitive internationally.

"I’ve been to this floor nearly thirty times to push for my priorities in the Farm Bill," he added.

Rep. Mann concluded by emphasizing that passing a fiscally conservative five-year Farm Bill is crucial for providing certainty while allowing Congress flexibility to respond to market changes.

"This body...must use this legislation to address concerns we have all heard over the last several years," he urged.

The markup session scheduled for this week is seen as an important step toward achieving these goals.

"American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers deserve it," concluded Rep. Mann. "America’s food and national security depend on it."