Local congressman in bipartisan effort to assist farmers: Family Farmer Relief Act

 “Family farms and ranches are the backbones of the Central Valley, so it’s vital that the Senate does their job by passing this bill to protect our vital agriculture economy and help begin to undo the damage done by this trade war,” said Rep. Cox. 

The bill was indeed bipartisan. Cox partnered with Congressman Antonio Delgado (D-N.Y.), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) to bring the resolution to fruition.
 “After years of a devastating trade war, Central Valley farmers are facing unprecedented financial challenges that put the livelihoods of thousands of families at risk. It is vital that we give our farmers the tools that they need to survive this downturn so that the backbone of our Central Valley economy can thrive once again.” 

He added on Thursday that its essential that the Senate do its job and pass the bill.

The House bill is similar to legislation introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), in March. It expands the debt cap that can be covered under Chapter 12 bankruptcy from $3,237,000 to $10,000,000.

The changes reflect the increase in land values, as well as the growth over time in the average size of U.S. farming operations and,  are meant to provide farmers additional options to manage the downturn in the farm economy. The National Farmers Union issued a letter thanking Rep. Cox for his leadership on this issue, attached to this release. California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson released the following statement: “The economic climate in agriculture is unique both in the commodity market and international market, which justifies expanding financial tools to help the family farm in time of need. CFBF supports this bill and thanks Rep. Cox for his leadership on this issue.”