Press Release - President Donald J. Trump Is Improving American Agriculture Programs

SUPPORTING AMERICA'S FARMERS: President Donald J. Trump is signing the 2018 Farm Bill to support America's hardworking farmers.

• President Trump is signing the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report recently passed by a joint, bipartisan majority of Congress.
• The Farm Bill provides critical funding for the United States Department of Agriculture and provides support, certainty, and stability to our Nation's farmers. The bill will:
  • Extend farm support programs and improve crop insurance
  • Maintain vital disaster programs to ensure our farmers and agricultural producers are well-prepared to weather market disruptions
  • Promote agricultural exports and opening of new markets for America's farmers
  • Expand rural broadband development and dedicate resources to fight the opioid crisis
  • Promote voluntary conservation, outdoor recreation, and better water infrastructure
  • Encourage forest management partnerships with States and localities
• For the first time since 1990, a farm bill has been enacted the same year it was introduced.

REFORMING SNAP: The Administration is also proposing a new rule to promote responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and economic independence for Americans.

• Although the Farm Bill enhanced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program integrity, it missed an opportunity to close loopholes that trap Americans in poverty.
• The Administration's new proposed rule includes commonsense measures that update the criteria States use to waive work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents.
  • In 2016, almost 2.8 million Americans on the SNAP rolls were able-bodied adults, without dependents, who were not working.
  • With unemployment at a generational low, SNAP recipients who can work should.
• The proposed rule will end the shameful practice of exemption hoarding that allowed States like California to bank hundreds of thousands of waivers over the years.
• A significant portion of SNAP participants are children, elderly, or disabled, and we want to ensure they have access to the food they need.
• While a permanent legislative solution would be preferred, the proposed rule represents important reforms to SNAP and is projected to save taxpayers $15 billion over ten years.

WORKING FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES: The Administration's actions are just the latest in President Trump's mission to put our rural communities back on track.

• President Trump has overseen vital investment in rural infrastructure and expanded rural broadband by cutting red tape and catalyzing private investment.
• The President has expanded access worldwide for American agricultural products.
• President Trump authorized over $12 billion in aid to assist American farmers facing unjustified retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries.
• The recent roll back of Obama-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations will reduce regulatory compliance costs for rural communities and business owners.
• President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, expanding the estate exemption—a change so important to family farms across America.