Agriculture
More on Agriculture
With the election of Speaker Mike Johnson, the House is back to work. We certainly have our work cut out for us as we fulfill our responsibilities to the American people. Speaker Johnson hit the ground running to responsibly fund our priorities, including our support for Israel.
Many farmers are already busy taking in crops as dry conditions have encouraged an early start to the harvest season. Financially speaking, farming is a high-risk venture. The impact of unpredictable weather patterns underscores the importance of doing everything we can to maximize market access and stability for our agriculture industry. Alongside securing sound crop insurance provisions in ongoing Farm Bill renewal discussions, ensuring American trade policy reflects the best interests of our hard-working producers is critical in our pursuit of economic strength.
Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with constituents in many of the Third District’s 80 counties. It has been a busy time with many hours spent behind the windshield, and I'm encouraged by the Nebraskans doing so much to help our communities thrive. From farmers and ranchers to entrepreneurs and small businesses to educators and families preparing the next generation, Nebraskans are working hard to support their families, serve their neighbors, and make our state a better place.
Gering, Neb. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement at the conclusion of the 75-day window established by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for consultations between the U.S. and Mexico on the issue of biotech corn:
As the third largest economy in the world, Japan is a vital trade partner of the United States, especially agriculture producers in Nebraska’s Third District. According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, more than half of Nebraska’s pork exports and more than a quarter of our state’s beef exports were purchased by Japan last year, totaling $156 million and $405 million respectively. Japan is Nebraska’s largest export market for pork and eggs, our second largest market for beef, and our third largest market for corn and overall ag exports.
The significance of the agriculture industry to Nebraska’s Third District cannot be overstated. As the nation’s leading congressional district in market value of agriculture products sold, our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state’s economy. Ensuring federal agriculture policy reflects the needs of Nebraska’s outstanding producers places the Farm Bill among my top legislative priorities.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), John Larson (D-CT), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, legislation to help address the shortages in essential veterinary services facing rural communities.
The members released the following statements:
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Biden administration announced they would initiate USMCA dispute resolution proceedings with Mexico because of their continued ban on U.S. biotech corn:
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, and Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) led 62 of their colleagues in a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai.
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision: