Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on the Farm Bill

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting against the Farm Bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives without traditional broad bipartisan support.

"Historically, the Farm Bill has been broadly bipartisan legislation that marries food and farm priorities to the benefit of Americans in every community across the country. Regretfully, after making the largest cut to SNAP in history and slashing food assistance for 40 million Americans, my colleagues across the aisle drafted a partisan Farm Bill that locks those cuts into place as grocery prices soar and families go hungry.

"Meanwhile, despite farm bankruptcies continuing to skyrocket due to the president's reckless tariffs and disastrous war driving up prices, today's Farm Bill fails to provide any additional aid that was promised to family farmers who need it most.

"While I am proud I was able to improve the bill by includingmy legislation to lower utility costs by establishing a program that would provide $50 million per year to plant millions of trees in communities nationwide, I do not believe the final bill meets this moment.

"As currently drafted, today's legislation fails farmers and families alike. I believe Congress can do better, and it is my hope that the Senate will work together to craft a truly bipartisan and comprehensive Farm Bill that provides meaningful relief to Americans who desperately need it. When that occurs, I look forward to supporting the final package."

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.