More Work Needed after Farm Bill
After years of work, frustration, and setbacks, a long-term Farm Bill has been passed by both the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President. This is welcome news for producers and consumers. Policy certainty will help our farmers and ranchers remain competitive, and the final legislation includes reforms which will save hardworking taxpayers an estimated $23 billion.
Like any compromise, this legislation is not perfect. There are several trade and livestock provisions which are not included in the bill. I appreciate the patience of Nebraska producers as we continue to work through these issues. And unfortunately, even after completion of this Farm Bill, Nebraska farmers and ranchers continue to be threatened by unnecessary regulations which make it more difficult to produce food and fiber for the world.
Recently, I heard reports the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had begun enforcement action against small farms. Specifically, OSHA regulators were asserting they had the authority to regulate on-farm grain storage and other activities they claimed were not directly related to growing and harvesting. However, Congress has prohibited OSHA from using funds to regulate farms with ten or fewer employees since 1976.
In response, I led a bipartisan effort along with Representatives Kristi Noem (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Mike McIntyre (D-NC) to hold OSHA accountable for this clear overreach of their statutory authority. We organized a letter, which was signed by more than 80 Members of Congress to Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez demanding OSHA end regulation of small farms. Senator Johanns led a similar effort in the U.S. Senate.
Our work is paying off. This week, the Department of Labor agreed to change course and issue new guidance after working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and agriculture organizations.
In Nebraska and other regions of the country, the significant rise in the in the cost of propane presents another challenge to producers, as well as individuals and families. Any further reduction in supply threatens to leave many without the fuel necessary to heat homes, businesses, and livestock and poultry operations.
Several factors have contributed to the shortages including a large, wet harvest, unseasonably cold weather, and transport disruptions. This week, Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN) and I sent a letter to President Obama requesting his attention to this urgent matter, and offering to help him find reasonable solutions. More than 70 Members of Congress joined our effort by signing the bipartisan letter. The federal government has already issued emergency orders to prioritize propane shipments, and companies across the country are making contributions, but there is work to be done to bring relief to families across the country.
Though it seems like such bipartisan efforts are too few and far between, getting a Farm Bill across the finish line was one of my top priorities, and is one of several recent examples of Congress working together to benefit hardworking taxpayers. I remain committed to finding solutions to provide certainty, grow our economy, and move our country forward.