Western South Dakota News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today regarding the farm bill framework recently released by Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.). The framework aims to prioritize the needs of farmers and ranchers, addressing issues such as the farm safety net, crop insurance affordability, meat processing, and forest restoration.

Thune emphasized the importance of crafting farm bills that reflect the priorities of agricultural producers. "I’ve had the chance to help craft four farm bills during my time in Congress, and my number-one goal is always to ensure that each bill accurately reflects the needs and priorities of the men and women on the ground – the ones who are doing the hard work of feeding our country," he stated.

With deadlines approaching for updates to various farm programs, Thune highlighted the urgency for Congress to advance a new farm bill. He noted that net farm income is projected to decline by 25 percent this year while input costs are expected to reach record highs.

Last month, the House Agriculture Committee marked up its draft of the next farm bill, which passed with bipartisan support. Yesterday morning, Senator Boozman released his framework intended to build on this progress and move deliberations forward in the Senate.

Thune criticized Senate Democrats for prioritizing climate issues over farmers' needs but expressed hope that recent efforts would refocus attention on agricultural concerns. "Progress in the Senate has been hamstrung by Senate Democrats’ insistence on prioritizing things like climate over the needs of farmers and ranchers," he said.

Thune introduced several pieces of legislation based on conversations with South Dakota farmers and ranchers. These include measures from his Conservation Reserve Program Improvement Act, CRP Flexibility Act, Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act (introduced with Senator Klobuchar), Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act, Rural Internet Improvement Act, and Strengthening Local Processing Act.

The framework also proposes improvements to essential elements of the farm safety net: Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs.

"I am tremendously grateful to Senator Boozman for his work on this framework and his efforts to move the farm bill process forward," Thune remarked. He urged Democratic colleagues to pursue a bipartisan agreement focused on agricultural priorities rather than non-farm issues.

"Mr. President, I yield the floor."