Tom Cole Votes in Favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026: Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which reauthorizes, modernizes, and improves key Department of Agriculture programs through 2031: “Agriculture is truly the heart of America – and as a lifelong Oklahoman, I know this firsthand. In fact, Oklahoma ranks first in the nation in the production of rye, third in the nation in the production of wheat, fifth in the production of cattle, pecans and grain sorghum, tenth in peanuts, and twelfth in watermelon. It is clear: Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and growers are essential to not only our state, but to our entire country,” said Congressman Cole. “In return, as the representative for over 13,000 farms and ranches in the Fourth District alone, I will always fight to ensure they are not neglected in Congress. Today, in passing the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, we did just that,” said Congressman Cole. “This legislation focuses on practical policy for farm country. It will help to keep family farms in business, competition thriving, and grocery shelves stocked. This bill maintains America’s position as a global agriculture leader – because food security is national security. It provides farmers with the protection and stability they need to maintain healthy crops and produce, as well as streamlines working lands conservation programs and prioritizes responsible management of federal forests. Furthermore, it enacts these commonsense policies all while remaining budget neutral and prioritizing integrity and transparency,” said Congressman Cole.“The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 was must-pass legislation, and I am proud to have helped push it across the finish line with my vote today. I also want to thank my good friend, fellow Oklahoman, and former Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Frank Lucas, for all he did to secure these important provisions vital to Oklahoma. We must always ensure that those who put food on our tables and fuel the American people are not left behind,” said Congressman Cole.
Wins for Oklahoma in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Increases loan guarantee to $50 million for the Rural Energy for America Program and ensures that projects using underutilized renewable energy technologies, such as distributed wind projects, are highlighted.
Protects and enhances conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program, supporting Oklahoma’s 84 conservation districts.
Updates essential watershed programs that so many Oklahomans rely on to maintain and improve the over 2,100 watershed flood control dams in Oklahoma.
Increases funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program so that our producers can more easily tap into trade expansion.
Authorizes state and tribal led local food purchasing programs to increase the purchase of local foods, growing local economies.
Reauthorizes critical rural development programs that invest in economic development, job creation, technical assistance, and utility services.
Reauthorizes vital water infrastructure programs such as the Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program. This program supports the over 3,000 technical assistance visits that Oklahoma Rural Water Association circuit riders carry out each year.
Incorporates middle mile infrastructure into the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, improving access to rural areas and lowering costs for users and providers.
Reauthorizes important research, extension, and education activities that our land-grant universities, such as Oklahoma State University, Langston University, and College of the Muscogee Nation, rely on to produce innovative and cutting-edge research.
Chairman Thompson Commends House Passage of 2026 Farm Bill: The House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 this morning with a final vote of 224-200. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement today commending the passage of this critical legislation: “Working in Congress on behalf of our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities is an honor — even when the work requires debating the farm bill through the night,” Chairman Thompson said. “I can think of no more important work than championing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and I am extremely pleased to see this bill pass out of the House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote. “It is clearer every day that farm country needs updated policy that reflects current challenges, and the 2026 farm bill fills that gap. I look forward to seeing Chairman Boozman and the Senate make progress on this important legislation so we can get the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 sent to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible. “I especially want to thank all parties who were involved in the negotiations that allowed the farm bill to proceed to the floor and secure a future vote on year-round E15. Members of the Biofuels Caucus are tireless champions for rural America, and I look forward to joining them May 13 in advancing that important legislation.” Background: With a vote of 14 Democrats in favor, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 obtained the highest number of votes from the minority party on a House farm bill since 2008. Similarly, with over 96% of the GOP Conference voting in favor, this is the highest level of Republican support for a House farm bill in history, affirming the commitment of House Republicans to rural America.
Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting in support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill: “Our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers work incredibly hard, and they deserve certainty as they continue to put food on our tables and drive our economy. The Farm Bill delivers real win for the Oklahoma agricultural industry, ensuring they have the tools necessary to provide for our communities and the stability to plan for the current and future demands at home and abroad. I’m proud to support this critical legislation and the hardworking men and women who keep America running.”
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, led her fellow Democrats on the committee in releasing the following statement on the passage of the House Farm Bill. “We have been clear that the Farm Bill must address the needs of American farmers and families. With a five-year high in small farm bankruptcies, the Farm Bill must address rising input costs, provide new opportunities for domestic markets, and fight for a trade agenda that works for everyone. Senate Democrats are committed to ensuring all states are treated equally by delaying the new SNAP cost shifts and addressing the needs of farm country. We look forward to working with Senate Republicans on a bipartisan Farm Bill that can be successful on the Senate floor.” Along with Klobuchar, the Democrats on the Senate Agriculture Committee include Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). The Republican Budget Bill passed last summer included a cost shift of SNAP benefits and program costs to states with error rates above 6 percent, but which also rewarded the highest error rate states with a delay of the cost shift. Final error rates for 2025 will be announced at the end of June.
