Murray Statement on Compromise Farm Bill

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement as the Senate prepares to take up the House-passed Farm Bill negotiated earlier this week by bipartisan leaders from both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

"Building on momentum from the bipartisan budget deal I reached with Congressman Paul Ryan, the Farm Bill we're now considering represents another critical compromise in which no one got everything they wanted, but colleagues from both sides of the aisle produced legislation that will help families, businesses, and our economy continue to grow.

"As a state whose economy is driven by thriving agriculture industries, Washington's farmers, growers, and agricultural businesses gained significant wins in this five-year Farm Bill. It makes investments in jobs, provides meaningful support for our fruit and vegetable growers, and reforms many programs while continuing the safety net for farmers.

"This bill also addresses several economic issues of particular importance to Washington state by continuing support for specialty crops, rural development, conservation, and alternative energy programs, while investing in programs that ensure Washington's agriculture industry remains competitive in the global marketplace.

"Despite the hard-fought victories for agriculture programs and industries, I'm very disappointed that this compromise makes harmful cuts to nutrition programs for low-income families in Washington state. Food assistance was there for my family when we needed it, and now is not the time to leave behind families and children who need help putting food on the table. I'm encouraged that this bill includes increased assistance for food banks, community food projects, and Congresswoman DelBene's important employment and training program, but I'll continue working with my colleagues to strengthen the SNAP program that families across our country rely on."

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