House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) delivered the following remarks today on the House floor as debate began on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
Remarks as prepared:
I rise today in strong support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
It is more evident than ever that rural America needs a new farm bill now — not next year or next Congress. Producers are operating under the third consecutive farm bill extension, and the simple truth is that the policies of 2018 are no match for the challenges of 2026.
It is time to get this critical legislation done.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, because it’s important: This bill was not written in Congress. It was written out in the fields and pastures of our great nation while the agriculture committee held over 150 listening sessions.
We went to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, and we asked them what they needed from Congress. Every provision in this bill is directly informed by what we learned in these listening sessions.
Today, you will hear some opposing comments made that this is a partisan bill, and even more on what’s NOT in the bill. I would like to remind everyone of the facts: This bill is filled with good policy that is also overwhelmingly bipartisan. Upon introduction, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act included or drew upon 150 bipartisan marker bills.
During the Committee’s 22-hour markup, over 100 amendments were offered and debated, with the 46 adopted split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. It passed Committee with strong bipartisan support. And it enjoys the endorsement of over 500 agricultural stakeholder groups.
I am asking Congress to join the hardworking men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe our country in supporting this farm bill. Now is not the time to turn our backs on rural America.
