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.
Trade (domestic/foreign) TRD
TFB supports increased access to foreign markets for agricultural products through international trade. TFB supports the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) and updates to the agreement that would provide progress. TFB weighed in on the Trump Administrations trade tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico. TFB relayed to legislators that we are monitoring the trade issue and want to make sure the trade issues with China, Canada and Mexico do not negatively impact farmers and ranchers. However, TFB does believe in making other countries abide by the same standards as the U.S. in current trade pacts.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
| BILLY HOWE | — |
Agriculture AGR
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) advocated for seamless implementation of H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. It provides adequate crop insurance for all major commodities and other programs benefiting agriculture production. TFB opposed budget cuts to agriculture. TFB urged Congressional leaders to take swift action on the cattle fever tick issue facing ranchers and landowners in the southern region of Texas. TFB advocated for additional funding to help provide adequate resources to combat the problems TFB members are facing due to the fever tick.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
Environment/Superfund ENV
TFB advocated for the EPAs new Clean Water Rule. TFB told leaders in D.C. that the implementation of the rule is critical to safeguard against the 2015 Waters of the U.S. rule which would have infringed on farmers, ranchers and landowners property rights.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| REGAN BECK | — |
Transportation TRA
TFB supports any relief that can be provided from Congress on the Electronic Logging Device mandate that was implemented in December 2017. TFB continues supporting provisions and legislation to exempt all agricultural industries. The bills TFB supports and advocated for are H.R. 1697, H.R. 1698 and H.R. 1673. 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.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
TFB pushed to make tax reform provisions important to farmers and ranchers a permanent part of the tax code. Tax reform is a top priority for TFB and making provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent is important to TFB members.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
Food Industry (safety, labeling, etc.) FOO
TFB is concerned about the labeling of 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 | — |
Animals ANI
TFB supported H.R. 3655, the Livestock Protection Act, which allows for farmers to obtain permits that authorize the taking of black vultures. This legislation would allow the Secretary of the Interior, in conjunction with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to issue depredation permits to livestock farmers authorizing the taking of black vultures otherwise prohibited by law to prevent damage to livestock during calving and lambing season.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
Immigration IMM
TFB advocated for 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. Without adequate procedures in place for producers to secure workers in a timely manner, producers are at risk of losing perishable crops.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| LARAMIE ADAMS | — |
| BILLY HOWE | — |
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.