Yoho Statement on Defeat of 2018 Farm Bill

Washington D.C. – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) released the following statement after the House failed to pass the 2018 Farm Bill.

“Today is a sad day for America’s farmers and ranchers.  I am disappointed that some of my Republican colleagues could not see the forest for the trees and my Democrat colleagues played politics with this vital piece of legislation.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are the reason we have the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. These hardworking families are one percent of the U.S. population, and yet they put food on the table for more than 300 million people daily; not to mention all over the world.  The bill we should have passed today would give them the certainty and security they need to provide for all of us. Now they have neither.

“The 35 meaningful improvements my colleagues and I made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be implemented. Improvements that will provide able-bodied adults with the job training they need to find work. Improvements that match unemployed and underemployed SNAP recipients with open jobs that will help them climb the economic ladder and improve their futures. 

 “As a large animal veterinarian who has been involved with the agriculture community most of my life, I am proud of the work my Republican colleagues and I accomplished in committee. Our work was for everyone who works in acres and not hours; making their living from the land. I also applaud Chairman Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee staff for all their hard work and dedication.

“Moving forward, I will continue to educate members of Congress on the importance of delivering urgently-needed farm policy that will pass Congress and become law as soon as possible.”