Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today supported H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act (the “Farm Bill”). The Farm Bill reauthorizes many important farm and nutrition programs for five years. H.R. 2 passed by a vote of 213-211.

“We need to show rural America we have their back, and the Farm Bill is the perfect vehicle to demonstrate our support,” said Simpson. “In Idaho, this bill will provide certainty for our ranchers and farmers and signature commodities like potatoes, dairy, grain, and sugar beets. I am pleased we moved one step closer today towards providing stability to our nation’s farmers.”  

During the initial floor consideration of H.R. 2, Congressman Simpson fought for many important Idaho priorities such as the U.S. sugar program which operates at no cost to the taxpayer and is critical to Idaho sugar beet farmers. Other important programs include research for specialty crops such as potatoes, risk management tools for dairy and grain producers, and trade promotion programs for all agriculture.

The legislation will now await a formal conference to work out differences with the Senate legislation which is expected to be considered next week.