Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-15

INTRODUCTION OF THE TARIFF IMPACTED FARMER SUPPORT ACT OF 2026

EnvironmentForeign PolicyTradeAgriculture

Context

On 2026-07-15, Representative Shomari Figures (D-AL-2) delivered a floor speech titled "INTRODUCTION OF THE TARIFF IMPACTED FARMER SUPPORT ACT OF 2026" in the House.

Full Text

INTRODUCTION OF THE TARIFF IMPACTED FARMER SUPPORT ACT OF 2026

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E691] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] INTRODUCTION OF THE TARIFF IMPACTED FARMER SUPPORT ACT OF 2026 ______ HON. SHOMARI FIGURES of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. FIGURES. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026, which would establish a temporary Farmer Support and Revenue Loss Assistance Program to provide targeted relief for producers of cotton, peanuts, soybeans, corn, and poultry. The Trump Administration's tariffs and foreign policies have uniquely impacted these farmers, who are experiencing significant revenue losses due to increased fuel and fertilizer costs and a reduced ability to export their products to foreign markets. This bill seeks to support small and mid-sized family farming operations and ensure that America's producers can continue feeding, fueling, and clothing our Nation. Farmers across Alabama and the Nation continue to face rising production costs, market volatility, and economic uncertainty that have placed extraordinary pressure on family farming operations. These challenges have been compounded by rising fuel and fertilizer costs due to the Iran War and retaliatory tariffs resulting from the Trump Administration's trade policies, which have reduced export opportunities and created current and future uncertainty in agricultural markets. For farmers operating on thin margins, a single year of substantial losses can threaten the long-term viability of their operations. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Alabama's and the American economy, supporting rural communities and generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Despite their importance, this Administration has not adequately addressed the harm its policies and decisions have had on farmers. While the Trump Administration extended approximately $20 billion in financial support to the Government of Argentina, American agricultural producers are facing measurable financial strain and need support. The Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026 would authorize up to $15 billion through the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide direct assistance to qualifying agricultural producers of soybeans, cotton, corn, peanuts, and poultry with no repayment obligation. Eligibility would be limited to agricultural producers with gross annual farm revenues of $500,000 or less, consistent with applicable definitions under the Food Security Act. Assistance would be based on documented revenue losses between the 2024 and 2026 crop years, utilizing receipts, contracts, and other producer records to verify eligibility. I encourage my colleagues to support and cosponsor the Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026. ____________________

View original source →

INTRODUCTION OF THE TARIFF IMPACTED FARMER SUPPORT ACT OF 2026 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E691] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] INTRODUCTION OF THE TARIFF IMPACTED FARMER SUPPORT ACT OF 2026 ______ HON. SHOMARI FIGURES of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Mr. FIGURES. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026, which would establish a temporary Farmer Support and Revenue Loss Assistance Program to provide targeted relief for producers of cotton, peanuts, soybeans, corn, and poultry. The Trump Administration's tariffs and foreign policies have uniquely impacted these farmers, who are experiencing significant revenue losses due to increased fuel and fertilizer costs and a reduced ability to export their products to foreign markets. This bill seeks to support small and mid-sized family farming operations and ensure that America's producers can continue feeding, fueling, and clothing our Nation. Farmers across Alabama and the Nation continue to face rising production costs, market volatility, and economic uncertainty that have placed extraordinary pressure on family farming operations. These challenges have been compounded by rising fuel and fertilizer costs due to the Iran War and retaliatory tariffs resulting from the Trump Administration's trade policies, which have reduced export opportunities and created current and future uncertainty in agricultural markets. For farmers operating on thin margins, a single year of substantial losses can threaten the long-term viability of their operations. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Alabama's and the American economy, supporting rural communities and generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Despite their importance, this Administration has not adequately addressed the harm its policies and decisions have had on farmers. While the Trump Administration extended approximately $20 billion in financial support to the Government of Argentina, American agricultural producers are facing measurable financial strain and need support. The Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026 would authorize up to $15 billion through the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide direct assistance to qualifying agricultural producers of soybeans, cotton, corn, peanuts, and poultry with no repayment obligation. Eligibility would be limited to agricultural producers with gross annual farm revenues of $500,000 or less, consistent with applicable definitions under the Food Security Act. Assistance would be based on documented revenue losses between the 2024 and 2026 crop years, utilizing receipts, contracts, and other producer records to verify eligibility. I encourage my colleagues to support and cosponsor the Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026. ____________________