Pulaski Times

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, outlined the recently released Republican farm bill framework in a speech on the Senate floor. He emphasized that the framework aims to "put more farm in the farm bill" and could serve as a foundation for bipartisan collaboration.

"We believe that our framework reflects the chamber’s shared commitments across all twelve titles while putting more farm in the farm bill, something we’ve been calling for since the onset," Boozman stated. "Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, consumers, lenders and other stakeholders helped us fashion a farm bill that meets their varying needs. It’s a delicate balance… but on the agriculture committee, we have shown we can come together to carry these heavy lifts across the finish line."

In his prepared remarks, Boozman commended Chairman GT Thompson for his leadership in guiding a bipartisan farm bill through an open process in the House Agriculture Committee. He also acknowledged Chairwoman Stabenow's efforts in advancing her own farm bill framework.

Boozman highlighted several key areas of investment within the Republican framework:

1. **Trade Programs**: Doubling funding for trade programs to address a projected $32 billion agricultural trade deficit.

2. **Agricultural Research**: Increasing funding to reverse declining public-sector investment and spur innovation.

3. **Conservation**: A historic investment in conservation programs with increased flexibility and local leadership.

4. **Rural Infrastructure**: Significant investments in small business development, broadband expansion, water and energy infrastructure, rural healthcare, childcare, and public safety.

5. **Farm Safety Net**: Modernizing risk management tools without forcing farmers to choose between crop insurance and Title One programs.

"Our framework makes crop insurance more accessible and affordable and makes meaningful increases to statutory reference prices for all producers," Boozman said.

He pointed out that current safety net programs are outdated given today's economic challenges such as inflation and geopolitical unrest.

"In my home state of Arkansas... inflation-adjusted net farm income is expected to decline by more than 40% compared to two years ago," he noted.

Boozman stressed that bipartisan cooperation has previously led to significant legislative achievements like the Growing Climate Solutions Act and reforms to summer meals programs.

"I look forward to taking our two frameworks, forging a bipartisan farm bill and passing it into law before the 118th session of Congress comes to a close," he concluded.