WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The House Agriculture Committee spent more than five hours Tuesday marking up the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, with lawmakers scheduled to resume debate Wednesday as work continues on updating federal farm policy.
Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania said the legislation reflects feedback from 43 states and aims to modernize farm programs that have remained largely unchanged since the last Farm Bill passed in 2018. Thompson said the proposal expands producer access to credit, strengthens risk-management tools, supports conservation programs, and invests in rural economic development.
Ranking Member Angie Craig of Minnesota criticized the measure, describing it as a limited proposal that fails to address declining farm incomes, rising production costs, and lost export markets. Craig also said the legislation does not include policies such as year-round E15 fuel sales or provisions she believes would strengthen food assistance programs.
Supporters of the bill argue that farm programs remain essential for producers facing disasters and market volatility. Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas said livestock disaster assistance and other safety-net programs are critical when producers face losses from events such as recent wildfires in the Southern Plains.
Congress previously approved Farm Bill legislation in committee during 2024, but the measure never reached the House floor. Lawmakers have since passed two temporary extensions of the 2018 Farm Bill while negotiations continue on a new multi-year policy framework.
