Lubbock Times

Lubbock, Texas – As Congress prepares to discuss additional disaster relief funding, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) has called on Speaker Mike Johnson to include economic assistance for West Texas farmers. These farmers have been impacted by severe droughts, high input costs, and low commodity prices.

Arrington has been an advocate for the agricultural community. His efforts include reinstating cotton in Title I of the Farm Bill, delivering trade assistance through programs like the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), providing emergency relief via the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) and Emergency Relief Program (ERP), protecting death tax exemptions, passing a 20% tax deduction for family farmers, repealing overreach regulations such as Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), improving market access in trade deals like USMCA, and securing rural infrastructure projects such as the I-27 Ports-to-Plain corridor.

In a letter to Speaker Johnson, Arrington emphasized the need for emergency assistance for farmers and ranchers across Rural America in any disaster relief package. He highlighted that farming families have faced consecutive years of droughts and inflation that threaten national food security despite their efforts.

"U.S. net farm income is projected to fall 23% this year compared to 2022," Arrington stated. Cotton producers are expected to average losses exceeding $300 per acre this year.

Arrington pointed out that reliance on an outdated Farm Bill exacerbates these challenges due to a lack of certainty and support updates since 2018. He argued that without emergency aid, there is no safety net to stabilize the agricultural economy or prevent negative impacts on Rural America.

"Food security is national security," he noted, stressing the struggles faced by those who produce it under uncontrollable circumstances. He urged equitable distribution of emergency relief payments with expedited disbursement so farmers can plan for higher yields in 2025.

While advocating for disaster assistance, Arrington also emphasized fiscal responsibility given America's financial situation: "As Chairman of the House Budget Committee," he said, "I am committed...to provide this much-needed support while stewarding America’s resources."