TEXAS FARM BUREAU for TEXAS FARM BUREAU
What was lobbied
8 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Immigration IMM
1. TFB advocated 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. 2. TFB supports and advocated for Rep. John Moolenaars, Supporting Farm Operations Act (H.R. 7046), which will address the high labor costs facing farmers. The bill would freeze the wage rate for migrant farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). 3. TFB supported the H-2A Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, HR 4708, by Congressman Tony Gonzales, which aims to streamline the issuance of nonimmigrant temporary work visas.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
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, sec. 179, and bonus depreciation.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Budget/Appropriations BUD
1. TFB advocated for various animal health provisions to be included in the Fiscal Year 2023 Agricultural Appropriations. These provisions would help farmers and ranchers dealing with the electronic ID for cattle, cattle fever tick, feral hogs, and other predator control. 2. TFB advocated for FY2025 appropriations to reinstate the production and distribution of M-44, a predation control too used by sheep and goat producers. 3. TFB opposed an amendment by Congresswoman Harriet Hageman that would defund a USDA Electronic Identification of Cattle and Bison rule that would upgrade technology of ear tags for cattle or bison 18 months or older, sexually intact and traveling across state lines. 4. TFB opposed an amendment by Congressman August Pfluger to defund the Livestock Dealer Trust legislation passed in 2020.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Clean Air and Water (quality) CAW
1.TFB advocated making any climate change initiatives/legislation voluntary instead of mandatory to ensure farmers and ranchers are protected from overregulation. 2.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 | — |
Agriculture AGR
1. TFB expressed the dire need for Congress to pass a new farm bill and supports the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024. 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.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Disaster Planning/Emergencies DIS
1. TFB adamantly opposes the methodology used by USDA to deliver disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers who suffered losses from drought and other natural disasters over the 2022 crop year. TFB urges lawmakers to reach out to USDA to express grave concerns. 2. TFB lobbied for 2023-2024 disaster assistance for producers suffering losses from drought and natural disasters, especially from wildfires.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Natural Resources NAT
1. TFB urged lawmakers to be outspoken on the need for Mexico to abide by the 1944 Water Treaty and delivery, annually, water to the U.S. Mexico has not been upholding their end of the Treaty and is drastically behind in delivering water to the U.S.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Food Industry (safety, labeling, etc.) FOO
1. TFB pushed back against claims Americas food system is flawed and certain pesticides, herbicides, additives are harming our food system. TFB also educated members on the role all farms, both larger and smaller in scale, play in securing the future of our food and fiber supply.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
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.