Rep. Kelly votes no on Farm Bill that cuts food security, hurts farmers

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) voted against the Republican Farm Bill that will exacerbate food cost and struggles facing farmers. The bill fails to reverse the $187 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which was included in the "One Big Beautiful Bill" last summer. Over 42 million Americans, including nearly 2 million Illinoisans, relies on SNAP. The bill passed the House by 224-200.

In an attempt to improve the Farm Bill, Rep. Kelly successfully amended the bill to include her bipartisan Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act. This bill, introduced in February with U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05), will help farmers integrate technology in their operations.

"Republicans jammed through a Farm Bill that steals food from the mouths of children, ignores rising grocery costs, and does not protect farmers from President Trump's tariffs. Congress had a chance to help lower costs for both farmers and Americans alike, but they used this bill to fulfill President Trump's billionaire-first agenda and side with pesticide companies," said Rep. Kelly. "While I'm proud to have passed my bill to help over 4,500 farms in the Second District, I could not in good conscience vote for such a harmful Farm Bill. My constituents living in urban, suburban, and rural communities rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Over 90% of farms in my district are family-owned, and they're struggling under the weight of President Trump's tariffs. This Farm Bill did not meet farmers' expectations and needs, and I urge the Senate to improve upon it and truly help our farmers."