TEXAS FARM BUREAU for TEXAS FARM BUREAU
What was lobbied
10 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Immigration IMM
TFB lobbied lawmakers to secure the border as farmers and ranchers endure losses due to illegal immigration. TFB advocated for changes to H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act to create a new agricultural guest worker program for farmers and ranchers. TFB is seeking comprehensive reform to our agricultural guest worker program, known as H-2A. TFB is working to address four issues in the legislation to ensure the bill addresses the needs of producers.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
| BILLY HOWE | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
1. TFB advocated for making certain provisions permanent in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, such as the death tax exemption rate, section 199A business income deduction and bonus depreciation. TFB also lobbied against increased taxes in the Inflation Reduction Act.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Transportation TRA
TFB supports and advocated for the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act by Sens. Fischer, Tester, Wicker, and Smith to modernize the agriculture exemption to the hours-of-service rules and provide regulatory relief to producers. TFB opposed legislation that would raise minimum insurance levels for CMVs from $750,000 to $4.9 million. H.R. 3781, known as the INSURANCE Act, would be devastating for small-business truckers who would see their premiums triple within a year. TFB discussed S. 3580, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which would ease ongoing congestion and logistical obstacles that threaten U.S. farmers and ranchers ability to meet much-welcome increases in foreign demand for our products.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
Food Industry (safety, labeling, etc.) FOO
TFB is concerned about labeling fake meat which is cultured in a lab or made from plants. TFB has told leaders in D.C. that inaccurate or misleading labeling of lab-grown or plant products as meat poses a threat to agriculture and consumers that rely on nutrient-dense, safe meat products. TFB asks for the USDA to oversee the food safety aspects and labeling of these products.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Budget/Appropriations BUD
TFB advocated for various animal health provisions to be included in the Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 Agricultural Appropriations. These provisions would help farmers and ranchers dealing with the cattle fever tick, feral hogs, and other predator control.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| BILLY HOWE | — |
Animals ANI
TFB voiced concerns with Congressman David Scotts Small Family Farmer and Rancher Act (H.R. 8590), which would increase premiums on the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program for cattle producers with 100 or less head of cattle. TFB continues working with Congressional leaders to increase transparency in cattle markets TFB visited with Congressional members regarding our opposition to the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act by Sens. Deb Fischer and Chuck Grassley. The legislation would have negative consequences for cattle producers. TFB has recently visited with members regarding concerns. TFB supported a resolution by Congressman August Pfluger to protect American Sheep and Goat producers by requiring the USDA to delay the implementation of a rule on the importation of sheep and goats from the UK that could have serious implications for the domestic sheep and goat industry.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
| BILLY HOWE | — |
Homeland Security HOM
TFB supports the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, which would combat foreign interference in Americas agriculture supply chain through reforms to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
Clean Air and Water (quality) CAW
TFB lobbied Congressional leaders to ensure farmers and ranchers concerns are heard about a new Biden era Waters of the U.S. Rule to replace the Trump era Navigable Waters, Protection Rule. TFB is asking leaders in Congress to voice concerns with the EPA. TFB advocated making any climate change initiatives/legislation voluntary instead of mandatory to ensure farmers and ranchers are protected from overregulation. They voiced concerns regarding the 30X30 plan as well as other climate initiatives that could hurt American agriculture. TFB discussed how regulations in the administration can hinder our national food security. TFB shared concerns about EPAs plan to possibly limit the use of atrazine.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Agriculture AGR
TFB lobbied lawmakers about crafting the 2023 farm bill and expressed the need to strengthen the farm safety net. Texas farmers and ranchers have experienced challenges with inflation, drought, extreme weather, sluggish markets, lack of labor, etc. TFB expressed how important it is to pass a new farm bill before the current 2018 farm bill expires. TFB visited with Congressional members and staff regarding the need for rural broadband and cell service and ensuring funding goes to underserved areas. TFB has concerns about all the grants and funding being funneled into the suburban areas of Texas.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
| BILLY HOWE | — |
Government Issues GOV
TFB discussed with lawmakers the recent developments on the BLM/Army Corps. Of Engineers Red River land dispute from 2017. Landowners have shared concerns that the BLM has predetermined the survey and asking for approval without taking landowners concerns into consideration. TFB advocates for private property rights in this case.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN ADAMS | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.