GAIL GREENMAN

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) temporarily doubled the estate tax exemption from $5.5 million to $11 million per person ($11.7 million indexed for 2021) through 2025. While the higher temporary exemption level protects the vast majority of the nations farms and ranches from the devastating consequences of estate taxes, farm and ranch families with businesses that top the exemption level are still plagued by estate taxes and related planning costs. Supported HR H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a family member dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. The Section 2032A valuation tool for estate tax purposes was designed to provide farm and ranch families protection from burdensome estate taxes when passing down the family business. The deduction carefully delineates between types of property eligible for the Special Use Valuation by targeting estate tax relief to farm and ranch operations where the family plans to continue farming and ranching. Though the Section 2032A reduction limit originally outlined in the law was updated to increase with inflation, it no longer provides the level of protection it was meant to offer farmers and ranchers. Expanding the provision would allow more farm and ranch land to qualify for Section 2032A Special Use Valuation, restoring it value as the helpful estate planning tool that was intended by Congress. Monitored the American Families Plan. Tthe American Families Plan, proposes tax cuts and programs including: Step Up in Basis Would be Repealed and Instead Capital Gains Taxes Would be Collected at Death Stepped up basis provides that capital gains taxes are not imposed when assets are transferred at death to an heir. Furthermore, tax law allows the heir to increase their basis in the assets to fair market value and only owe capital gains taxes on the amount the asset appreciates while they owed it and only if the asset is sold. The proposal would repeal step up in basis for gains over $1 million and collect capital gains at death unless assets are donated to charity. A proposed protection for family-owned farms and businesses is not explained. Capital Gains Tax Rates Will Almost Double for Some Farms and ranches pay capital gains taxes when they sell long-term capital assets like land and buildings. The tax is based on the amount that the asset has increased in value since purchase which can be significant for agriculture where assets are typically held for a long time. Capital gains tax rates would increase from 20% to 39.6% for households making over $1 million. Like Kind Exchange (1031) Are Repealed Like Kind Exchanges allow farmers and ranchers and other businesses to defer capital gains taxes when they sell an asset and replace it with a similar asset. Farmers and ranchers use like kind exchanges for capital assets like land and single-purpose structures. The proposal repeals like kind exchanges for exchanges for gains greater than $500,000. Individual Income Tax Rate Will Increase According to the Census of Agriculture, about 94% of farm and ranch businesses pay taxes using individual tax rates, as sole-proprietors or partnerships. The proposal increases the top individual income tax rate bracket from 37% to 39.6 %.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) temporarily doubled the estate tax exemption from $5.5 million to $11 million per person ($11.7 million indexed for 2021) through 2025. While the higher temporary exemption level protects the vast majority of the nations farms and ranches from the devastating consequences of estate taxes, farm and ranch families with businesses that top the exemption level are still plagued by estate taxes and related planning costs. Supported HR H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a family member dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. The Section 2032A valuation tool for estate tax purposes was designed to provide farm and ranch families protection from burdensome estate taxes when passing down the family business. The deduction carefully delineates between types of property eligible for the Special Use Valuation by targeting estate tax relief to farm and ranch operations where the family plans to continue farming and ranching. Though the Section 2032A reduction limit originally outlined in the law was updated to increase with inflation, it no longer provides the level of protection it was meant to offer farmers and ranchers. Expanding the provision would allow more farm and ranch land to qualify for Section 2032A Special Use Valuation, restoring it value as the helpful estate planning tool that was intended by Congress. Monitored the American Families Plan. Tthe American Families Plan, proposes tax cuts and programs including: Step Up in Basis Would be Repealed and Instead Capital Gains Taxes Would be Collected at Death Stepped up basis provides that capital gains taxes are not imposed when assets are transferred at death to an heir. Furthermore, tax law allows the heir to increase their basis in the assets to fair market value and only owe capital gains taxes on the amount the asset appreciates while they owed it and only if the asset is sold. The proposal would repeal step up in basis for gains over $1 million and collect capital gains at death unless assets are donated to charity. A proposed protection for family-owned farms and businesses is not explained. Capital Gains Tax Rates Will Almost Double for Some Farms and ranches pay capital gains taxes when they sell long-term capital assets like land and buildings. The tax is based on the amount that the asset has increased in value since purchase which can be significant for agriculture where assets are typically held for a long time. Capital gains tax rates would increase from 20% to 39.6% for households making over $1 million. Like Kind Exchange (1031) Are Repealed Like Kind Exchanges allow farmers and ranchers and other businesses to defer capital gains taxes when they sell an asset and replace it with a similar asset. Farmers and ranchers use like kind exchanges for capital assets like land and single-purpose structures. The proposal repeals like kind exchanges for exchanges for gains greater than $500,000. Individual Income Tax Rate Will Increase According to the Census of Agriculture, about 94% of farm and ranch businesses pay taxes using individual tax rates, as sole-proprietors or partnerships. The proposal increases the top individual income tax rate bracket from 37% to 39.6 %.

Supported H.R. 267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) that qualifies both the 2020 and 2021 crop year for coverage. Specifically, the ANS would authorize the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), the WHIP+ Milk Loss Program, and the On-Farm Storage Loss Program, for 2020 and 2021, subject to appropriation. It will expand the causes of loss in WHIP+ and improve its administration. Highlights of HR 267 include: Causes of loss: Maintains the causes of loss that were included for 2018 and 2019 Specifically refers to: smoke taint in wine grapes due to wildfires; high winds; derechos; excessive heat; freeze (including a polar vortex). Expands the drought trigger from D3 on the drought monitor to a Secretarial drought designation (which is D2 for eight consecutive weeks), or more severe, and contiguous counties. Includes losses due to other disruptions (including power outages or curtailments) associated with the effects of a qualifying disaster event. Administrative Improvements: Continues the requirement that participants in this program must purchase crop insurance coverage of at least 60%, or NAP where insurance isnt available, for two years after receiving assistance. Includes language intended to simplify the program, including by directing USDA to streamline the application process and to reduce the workload of county offices. Use of net indemnities - under the existing WHIP+ rules, the payment calculation accounts for the actual value received and any gross crop insurance indemnity. The ANS would account for the producer-paid premium in the calculation. Unharvested acres are treated in the same manner as under NAP. Clarifies that all insured acreage shall be eligible, regardless of whether such acreage is the initial acreage or not. On payment limitations, the ANS maintains the existing regulations, with some exceptions: Specialty crops or higher value crops are subject to the 2017 WHIP payment limitations; Average Adjusted Gross Income is based on the 2017 - 2019 tax years; Limits are renewed for each of 2020 and 2021; and CFAP specialty entity rules apply for operations structured as corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, trusts, and estates. Includes a mechanism for payments to be made to producers through sugar processors and dairy coops. Continues the authority for USDA to provide payments in the form of block grants. Provides for an authorization of appropriations of $8.5 billion over the 2020 and 2021 timeframe, along with a set aside of funds for administration of the program. Started preparatory work on 2023 farm bill. Identified gaps in existing programs, specifically FSA relief programs and why Oregon growers are having trouble meeting eligibility requirements for extreme weather events. HR 4310, Minks in Narrowly Kept Spaces are Superspreaders Act, which would amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquirement, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of mink, and for other purposes. The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $5 billion to help farmers, ranchers and communities respond to drought $870 million per year for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which dedicates funding for rural communities facing budget shortfalls to address essential needs like schools and emergency services; $5 billion for key provisions of the Disaster Safe Power Grid Act to secure the power grid from extreme weather and natural disasters to prevent severe wildfires; $162 million for Klamath habitat restoration work through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service secured by Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley; $6 billion for wildfire risk mitigation and forest health treatments, including an additional $100 million secured by Wyden for the Collaborative Forestry Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) ensuring that this funding can be used for existing projects. $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Reviewed Executive Order addressing unfair markets, the right to repair, poultry tournament pay, Product of the USA labeling and also separately announced $500 million for regional meat packing expansion, as well as $100 million for FSIS Inspection Overtime Relief. The EO directs/encourages : *USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act making it easier for farmers to bring and win claims and adopting anti-retaliation protections for farmers who speak out about bad practices. *USDA to consider issuing new rules defining when meat can bear Product of USA labels, so that consumers have accurate, transparent labels that enable them to choose products made here. *USDA to develop a plan to increase opportunities for farmers to access markets and receive a fair return, including supporting alternative food distribution systems like farmers markets and developing standards and labels so that consumers can choose to buy products that treat farmers fairly. *FTC to limit powerful equipment manufacturers from restricting peoples ability to use independent repair shops or do DIY repairs-such as when tractor companies block farmers from repairing their own tractors.

Supported H.R. 267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) that qualifies both the 2020 and 2021 crop year for coverage. Specifically, the ANS would authorize the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), the WHIP+ Milk Loss Program, and the On-Farm Storage Loss Program, for 2020 and 2021, subject to appropriation. It will expand the causes of loss in WHIP+ and improve its administration. Highlights of HR 267 include: Causes of loss: Maintains the causes of loss that were included for 2018 and 2019 Specifically refers to: smoke taint in wine grapes due to wildfires; high winds; derechos; excessive heat; freeze (including a polar vortex). Expands the drought trigger from D3 on the drought monitor to a Secretarial drought designation (which is D2 for eight consecutive weeks), or more severe, and contiguous counties. Includes losses due to other disruptions (including power outages or curtailments) associated with the effects of a qualifying disaster event. Administrative Improvements: Continues the requirement that participants in this program must purchase crop insurance coverage of at least 60%, or NAP where insurance isnt available, for two years after receiving assistance. Includes language intended to simplify the program, including by directing USDA to streamline the application process and to reduce the workload of county offices. Use of net indemnities - under the existing WHIP+ rules, the payment calculation accounts for the actual value received and any gross crop insurance indemnity. The ANS would account for the producer-paid premium in the calculation. Unharvested acres are treated in the same manner as under NAP. Clarifies that all insured acreage shall be eligible, regardless of whether such acreage is the initial acreage or not. On payment limitations, the ANS maintains the existing regulations, with some exceptions: Specialty crops or higher value crops are subject to the 2017 WHIP payment limitations; Average Adjusted Gross Income is based on the 2017 - 2019 tax years; Limits are renewed for each of 2020 and 2021; and CFAP specialty entity rules apply for operations structured as corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, trusts, and estates. Includes a mechanism for payments to be made to producers through sugar processors and dairy coops. Continues the authority for USDA to provide payments in the form of block grants. Provides for an authorization of appropriations of $8.5 billion over the 2020 and 2021 timeframe, along with a set aside of funds for administration of the program. Started preparatory work on 2023 farm bill. Identified gaps in existing programs, specifically FSA relief programs and why Oregon growers are having trouble meeting eligibility requirements for extreme weather events. HR 4310, Minks in Narrowly Kept Spaces are Superspreaders Act, which would amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquirement, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of mink, and for other purposes. The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $5 billion to help farmers, ranchers and communities respond to drought $870 million per year for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which dedicates funding for rural communities facing budget shortfalls to address essential needs like schools and emergency services; $5 billion for key provisions of the Disaster Safe Power Grid Act to secure the power grid from extreme weather and natural disasters to prevent severe wildfires; $162 million for Klamath habitat restoration work through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service secured by Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley; $6 billion for wildfire risk mitigation and forest health treatments, including an additional $100 million secured by Wyden for the Collaborative Forestry Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) ensuring that this funding can be used for existing projects. $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Reviewed Executive Order addressing unfair markets, the right to repair, poultry tournament pay, Product of the USA labeling and also separately announced $500 million for regional meat packing expansion, as well as $100 million for FSIS Inspection Overtime Relief. The EO directs/encourages : *USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act making it easier for farmers to bring and win claims and adopting anti-retaliation protections for farmers who speak out about bad practices. *USDA to consider issuing new rules defining when meat can bear Product of USA labels, so that consumers have accurate, transparent labels that enable them to choose products made here. *USDA to develop a plan to increase opportunities for farmers to access markets and receive a fair return, including supporting alternative food distribution systems like farmers markets and developing standards and labels so that consumers can choose to buy products that treat farmers fairly. *FTC to limit powerful equipment manufacturers from restricting peoples ability to use independent repair shops or do DIY repairs-such as when tractor companies block farmers from repairing their own tractors.

The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Supported H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act. This legislation will provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. Supported S. 1695 and H.R. 3193, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act. This legislation removes hurdles for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.

The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Supported H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act. This legislation will provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. Supported S. 1695 and H.R. 3193, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act. This legislation removes hurdles for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.

The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Supported H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act. This legislation will provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. Supported S. 1695 and H.R. 3193, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act. This legislation removes hurdles for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.

The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Supported H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act. This legislation will provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. Supported S. 1695 and H.R. 3193, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act. This legislation removes hurdles for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.

Supported H.R. 267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) that qualifies both the 2020 and 2021 crop year for coverage. Specifically, the ANS would authorize the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), the WHIP+ Milk Loss Program, and the On-Farm Storage Loss Program, for 2020 and 2021, subject to appropriation. It will expand the causes of loss in WHIP+ and improve its administration. Highlights of HR 267 include: Causes of loss: Maintains the causes of loss that were included for 2018 and 2019 Specifically refers to: smoke taint in wine grapes due to wildfires; high winds; derechos; excessive heat; freeze (including a polar vortex). Expands the drought trigger from D3 on the drought monitor to a Secretarial drought designation (which is D2 for eight consecutive weeks), or more severe, and contiguous counties. Includes losses due to other disruptions (including power outages or curtailments) associated with the effects of a qualifying disaster event. Administrative Improvements: Continues the requirement that participants in this program must purchase crop insurance coverage of at least 60%, or NAP where insurance isnt available, for two years after receiving assistance. Includes language intended to simplify the program, including by directing USDA to streamline the application process and to reduce the workload of county offices. Use of net indemnities - under the existing WHIP+ rules, the payment calculation accounts for the actual value received and any gross crop insurance indemnity. The ANS would account for the producer-paid premium in the calculation. Unharvested acres are treated in the same manner as under NAP. Clarifies that all insured acreage shall be eligible, regardless of whether such acreage is the initial acreage or not. On payment limitations, the ANS maintains the existing regulations, with some exceptions: Specialty crops or higher value crops are subject to the 2017 WHIP payment limitations; Average Adjusted Gross Income is based on the 2017 - 2019 tax years; Limits are renewed for each of 2020 and 2021; and CFAP specialty entity rules apply for operations structured as corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, trusts, and estates. Includes a mechanism for payments to be made to producers through sugar processors and dairy coops. Continues the authority for USDA to provide payments in the form of block grants. Provides for an authorization of appropriations of $8.5 billion over the 2020 and 2021 timeframe, along with a set aside of funds for administration of the program. Started preparatory work on 2023 farm bill. Identified gaps in existing programs, specifically FSA relief programs and why Oregon growers are having trouble meeting eligibility requirements for extreme weather events. HR 4310, Minks in Narrowly Kept Spaces are Superspreaders Act, which would amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquirement, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of mink, and for other purposes. The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $5 billion to help farmers, ranchers and communities respond to drought $870 million per year for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which dedicates funding for rural communities facing budget shortfalls to address essential needs like schools and emergency services; $5 billion for key provisions of the Disaster Safe Power Grid Act to secure the power grid from extreme weather and natural disasters to prevent severe wildfires; $162 million for Klamath habitat restoration work through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service secured by Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley; $6 billion for wildfire risk mitigation and forest health treatments, including an additional $100 million secured by Wyden for the Collaborative Forestry Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) ensuring that this funding can be used for existing projects. $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Reviewed Executive Order addressing unfair markets, the right to repair, poultry tournament pay, Product of the USA labeling and also separately announced $500 million for regional meat packing expansion, as well as $100 million for FSIS Inspection Overtime Relief. The EO directs/encourages : *USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act making it easier for farmers to bring and win claims and adopting anti-retaliation protections for farmers who speak out about bad practices. *USDA to consider issuing new rules defining when meat can bear Product of USA labels, so that consumers have accurate, transparent labels that enable them to choose products made here. *USDA to develop a plan to increase opportunities for farmers to access markets and receive a fair return, including supporting alternative food distribution systems like farmers markets and developing standards and labels so that consumers can choose to buy products that treat farmers fairly. *FTC to limit powerful equipment manufacturers from restricting peoples ability to use independent repair shops or do DIY repairs-such as when tractor companies block farmers from repairing their own tractors.

Supported H.R. 267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) that qualifies both the 2020 and 2021 crop year for coverage. Specifically, the ANS would authorize the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), the WHIP+ Milk Loss Program, and the On-Farm Storage Loss Program, for 2020 and 2021, subject to appropriation. It will expand the causes of loss in WHIP+ and improve its administration. Highlights of HR 267 include: Causes of loss: Maintains the causes of loss that were included for 2018 and 2019 Specifically refers to: smoke taint in wine grapes due to wildfires; high winds; derechos; excessive heat; freeze (including a polar vortex). Expands the drought trigger from D3 on the drought monitor to a Secretarial drought designation (which is D2 for eight consecutive weeks), or more severe, and contiguous counties. Includes losses due to other disruptions (including power outages or curtailments) associated with the effects of a qualifying disaster event. Administrative Improvements: Continues the requirement that participants in this program must purchase crop insurance coverage of at least 60%, or NAP where insurance isnt available, for two years after receiving assistance. Includes language intended to simplify the program, including by directing USDA to streamline the application process and to reduce the workload of county offices. Use of net indemnities - under the existing WHIP+ rules, the payment calculation accounts for the actual value received and any gross crop insurance indemnity. The ANS would account for the producer-paid premium in the calculation. Unharvested acres are treated in the same manner as under NAP. Clarifies that all insured acreage shall be eligible, regardless of whether such acreage is the initial acreage or not. On payment limitations, the ANS maintains the existing regulations, with some exceptions: Specialty crops or higher value crops are subject to the 2017 WHIP payment limitations; Average Adjusted Gross Income is based on the 2017 - 2019 tax years; Limits are renewed for each of 2020 and 2021; and CFAP specialty entity rules apply for operations structured as corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, trusts, and estates. Includes a mechanism for payments to be made to producers through sugar processors and dairy coops. Continues the authority for USDA to provide payments in the form of block grants. Provides for an authorization of appropriations of $8.5 billion over the 2020 and 2021 timeframe, along with a set aside of funds for administration of the program. Started preparatory work on 2023 farm bill. Identified gaps in existing programs, specifically FSA relief programs and why Oregon growers are having trouble meeting eligibility requirements for extreme weather events. HR 4310, Minks in Narrowly Kept Spaces are Superspreaders Act, which would amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquirement, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of mink, and for other purposes. The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $5 billion to help farmers, ranchers and communities respond to drought $870 million per year for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which dedicates funding for rural communities facing budget shortfalls to address essential needs like schools and emergency services; $5 billion for key provisions of the Disaster Safe Power Grid Act to secure the power grid from extreme weather and natural disasters to prevent severe wildfires; $162 million for Klamath habitat restoration work through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service secured by Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley; $6 billion for wildfire risk mitigation and forest health treatments, including an additional $100 million secured by Wyden for the Collaborative Forestry Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) ensuring that this funding can be used for existing projects. $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Reviewed Executive Order addressing unfair markets, the right to repair, poultry tournament pay, Product of the USA labeling and also separately announced $500 million for regional meat packing expansion, as well as $100 million for FSIS Inspection Overtime Relief. The EO directs/encourages : *USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act making it easier for farmers to bring and win claims and adopting anti-retaliation protections for farmers who speak out about bad practices. *USDA to consider issuing new rules defining when meat can bear Product of USA labels, so that consumers have accurate, transparent labels that enable them to choose products made here. *USDA to develop a plan to increase opportunities for farmers to access markets and receive a fair return, including supporting alternative food distribution systems like farmers markets and developing standards and labels so that consumers can choose to buy products that treat farmers fairly. *FTC to limit powerful equipment manufacturers from restricting peoples ability to use independent repair shops or do DIY repairs-such as when tractor companies block farmers from repairing their own tractors.

USDA announced the availability of more than $330 million to assist agricultural producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The funding announced is part of USDAs Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative launched in March, and includes $169.9 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), the availability of $75 million for Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program [GusNIP; formerly known as Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI)] grantees and approximately $80 million in payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton. Supported additional specialty crop funding through USDA. USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced $169.9 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to fund innovative projects designed to support the expanding specialty crop food sector and explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. The total includes: $72.9 million available as part of the annual Farm Bill funding for the program; and An additional $97 million available as emergency funding for applications under this solicitation. Congress provided this funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, due to COVID-19 impacts to the food system. Supported America Grows Act which would increase funding for agricultural research by 5% annually on an inflation-adjusted basis at four agencies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the next 10 years. Supported S. 1264, the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (RANCH) Act, focused on public lands grazing. . The RANCH Act has four main provisions, all of which positively impact farmers and ranchers engaged in grazing on public lands. First, it would allow temporary utilization of vacant grazing allotments during extreme events/disasters. Second, it would invest Land and Water Conservation Funds in an account and use the interest for rangeland health and resiliency projects as well as improvements for voluntary public access agreements for hunting and recreation. Third, it would extend the period of grazing permits/leases for up to 20 years, when certain conditions are met. Finally, it provides for the use of a categorical exclusion for renewal of certain grazing permits/leases and for certain actions during extreme events or disasters. Supported the Cover Crop Flexibility Act, legislation to remove the prohibition on harvesting or grazing cover crops on prevented plant acres prior to November 1. This legislation is a result of Senate efforts that ultimately led to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) making an administrative change that allowed for penalty-free haying and grazing. This bill would provide a permanent solution to this issue and create greater certainty for U.S. producers. The Cover Crop Flexibility Act would remove a prohibition on grazing or harvesting cover crops for hay or silage and eliminate an arbitrary date that allowed farmers with longer growing seasons more opportunities than those in northern states. Also farmers would still have to plant cover crops on approved lists to prevent manipulation of the flexibility and avoid harvesting during the primary nesting season of local birds. It would allow USDA to include cover crop seed costs when it sets the factor that is used to calculate the prevented planting indemnity. The current formula only allows USDA to consider pre-planting costs when setting the factor, so the cost of cover crop seed is a potential barrier for farmers who are already facing the effects of a natural disaster. Finally, it would direct USDA to conduct a study to examine the extent that cover crops reduce risks of prevented planting and other crop insurance losses. If the study finds risk reductions, it allows USDA to adjust prevented planting factors or provide policies with appropriate lower premiums for farmers using cover crops. Supported the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act would amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the EPA from issuing permits for any carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions resulting from biological processes associated with livestock production. Supported optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021 to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Chief Economist, to establish regionally sufficient levels of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trade within 2 years of enactment and to consider stakeholder input through a public comment period. Consideration must also be given to peer reviewed economic research from land grant universities. Packers include only federally inspected cattle processing plants that slaughter an average of 125,000 head of cattle per year (roughly 500 head per day) during the prior 5 years. These minimums may be weekly or another periodic basis, must account for black swan events, and must be reviewed every 2 years. After 3 years, a cost-benefit analysis must be done to determine the operation and effect of regional mandatory minimums. Mandates that a packer report the number of cattle, organized by cattle type, scheduled to be delivered for slaughter each day for the next 14 days for USDA to make available to the public. Expresses the sense of Congress that there is a need for expedited reauthorization of U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program, including base prices subject to the same reporting requirements as negotiated cash and the creation of a contract library. Directs USDA to provide educational outreach activities for producers on how to best utilize the library. Continued congressional efforts on disaster assistance to Oregon growers for excessive heat, ice, drought and wildfire.

The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Supported H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act. This legislation will provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. Supported S. 1695 and H.R. 3193, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act. This legislation removes hurdles for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.

The bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed by the Senate and will soon be considered by the House includes several provisions important to the agriculture community. Infrastructure dollars in the Senate package include: $65 billion to connect every American to high-quality, reliable broadband internet access Supported H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act. This legislation will provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. Supported S. 1695 and H.R. 3193, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act. This legislation removes hurdles for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.

Reviewed the Joint Committee on Taxations list of 78 expiring tax provisions. Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2021 Credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property Alternative fuels include biodiesel, renewable biodiesel, and ethanol. The credit incentivizes the installation of pumps to increase consumer access to biofuels. Second generation biofuel producer credit Second generation biofuel, also known as advanced biofuel, is manufactured from non-food biomass like switchgrass, woodchips, and non-food parts of plants. The credit incentivizes the production of fuel from these sources that provide new markets for agricultural commodities. Tax incentives for starting facility construction date for energy produced from wind and other renewable resources. Farmers benefit from a stable source of income that comes from leasing a footprint for development Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2022 Incentives for biodiesel and renewable diesel Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled cooking oils. Biodiesel production not only helps farmers by expanding markets for commodities, but in many rural areas of the country, biodiesel production facilities are a driving force in local economies and broaden the local tax base. Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2023 Tax incentives for starting facility construction date for increased business solar, small wind and other renewable resources. Farm Bureau supports policies that help create a diverse domestic fuel and energy supply. Power generated from distributed wind and rental income from solar panels provide farmers with a stable source of income and contribute more broadly to the local economy. Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2025 Twenty-six tax provisions that expire at the end of 2025 were passed as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA). Modification of individual income tax rates More than 98 percent of farms and ranches operate as pass-through businesses - sole proprietorships, partnerships and Sub S corporations. As such the pay taxes using individual tax rates. If lower TCJA tax rates and expanded tax brackets are not extended, the result will be a tax increase on the majority of farm and ranch businesses. Increase in exemption amount and phaseout threshold of individual AMT The TCJA increased the Alternative Minimum Tax threshold for individuals: Rolling back the higher AMT thresholds will cancel out important deductions and credits put in place by TCJA. Limitation on deduction for State, local, etc., taxes (SALT) The SALT deduction permits individuals to deduct taxes paid to state and local governments. The TCJA capped the deduction at $10,000 per household. However, farmers and ranchers are still able to take a SALT deduction for taxes paid by their businesses. Qualified business income deduction (Sec. 199A deduction) More than 98 percent of farms and ranches operate as pass-through businesses - sole proprietorships, partnerships and Sub S corporations. The TCJA created a new 20 percent business income deduction for pass-through businesses referred to as Sec. 199A. Repealing the Sec.199A business income deduction would expand the tax base of pass-through businesses, increasing their taxes and erasing much of the benefit of the TCJA. Increase in estate and gift tax exemption The TCJA doubled the estate tax exemption to $11 million person/$22 million couple indexed for inflation. If the exemption is allowed to revert back, more farms and ranches will be subject to estate taxes. And, as long as the exemption level is temporary, money must be spent on estate tax planning rather than on growing farm and ranch businesses Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2026 Additional first-year depreciation with respect to qualified property (Bonus Depreciation. Bonus depreciation (expensing) allows farmers to better manage their taxes by offsetting income with deductions for their business expenses. This is especially critical because like-kind exchanges for equipment and livestock are repealed. Election of additional depreciation for certain plants bearing fruits and nuts This provision improves cash flow by allowing farmers to deduct 50 percent of pre-productive costs like pruning, irrigation, fertilizer, and spraying in the year the expense is incurred rather than having to wait to deduct them over the productive life of the plant or tree. Provisions Expiring on December 22, 2027 Expensing of certain costs of replanting citrus plants lost by reason of casualty This provision allows citrus farmers whose trees have been destroyed by weather, disease, pest or other disaster to deduct the full cost of replanting instead of having to wait and deduct the costs over the productive life of the tree. Supported S. 480 or H.R. 1381, Main Street Tax Certainty Act The Section 199A business income deduction, passed as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, allows pass through businesses to take a deduction worth 20 percent of their business income. Ninety-eight percent of farms and ranches are organized as pass through businesses. The 199A deduction is temporary and expires at the end of 2025. If it is not made permanent, the result will be a huge increase in the taxes that farmers and ranchers pay and leave them without ways to deal with the cyclical and unpredictable nature of their businesses. Supported HR 1712, Death Tax Repeal Act and S.617, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 Continued support of 1031 like kind exchanges. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development. Continued support of low capital gains. Capital gains taxes are imposed on the sale of land, buildings, breeding livestock and some timber. The tax is owed on the amount that the property increased in value since it was purchased. The impact of capital gains taxes on farming and ranching is significant because production agriculture requires large investments in land and buildings that are held for long periods of time, during which land values can more than triple. The current top capital gains tax rate of 20 percent is typically only assessed on high-income taxpayers. However, farmers and ranchers often pay the top rate because their capital gains can be realized in a single year, for example when a farm is sold. This high rate discourages improvements that advance sustainable practices and top notch animal care on farms. Capital gains taxes make it harder for beginning farmers to get started because they create a disincentive for established farmers to sell land and buildings. Land and buildings account for nearly 80% of farm and ranch assets. Eliminating or reducing the capital gains tax would make farming more accessible to beginning and young farmers. Opposed HR 2286, which would do away with stepped up basis. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed.

Reviewed the Joint Committee on Taxations list of 78 expiring tax provisions. Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2021 Credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property Alternative fuels include biodiesel, renewable biodiesel, and ethanol. The credit incentivizes the installation of pumps to increase consumer access to biofuels. Second generation biofuel producer credit Second generation biofuel, also known as advanced biofuel, is manufactured from non-food biomass like switchgrass, woodchips, and non-food parts of plants. The credit incentivizes the production of fuel from these sources that provide new markets for agricultural commodities. Tax incentives for starting facility construction date for energy produced from wind and other renewable resources. Farmers benefit from a stable source of income that comes from leasing a footprint for development Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2022 Incentives for biodiesel and renewable diesel Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled cooking oils. Biodiesel production not only helps farmers by expanding markets for commodities, but in many rural areas of the country, biodiesel production facilities are a driving force in local economies and broaden the local tax base. Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2023 Tax incentives for starting facility construction date for increased business solar, small wind and other renewable resources. Farm Bureau supports policies that help create a diverse domestic fuel and energy supply. Power generated from distributed wind and rental income from solar panels provide farmers with a stable source of income and contribute more broadly to the local economy. Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2025 Twenty-six tax provisions that expire at the end of 2025 were passed as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA). Modification of individual income tax rates More than 98 percent of farms and ranches operate as pass-through businesses - sole proprietorships, partnerships and Sub S corporations. As such the pay taxes using individual tax rates. If lower TCJA tax rates and expanded tax brackets are not extended, the result will be a tax increase on the majority of farm and ranch businesses. Increase in exemption amount and phaseout threshold of individual AMT The TCJA increased the Alternative Minimum Tax threshold for individuals: Rolling back the higher AMT thresholds will cancel out important deductions and credits put in place by TCJA. Limitation on deduction for State, local, etc., taxes (SALT) The SALT deduction permits individuals to deduct taxes paid to state and local governments. The TCJA capped the deduction at $10,000 per household. However, farmers and ranchers are still able to take a SALT deduction for taxes paid by their businesses. Qualified business income deduction (Sec. 199A deduction) More than 98 percent of farms and ranches operate as pass-through businesses - sole proprietorships, partnerships and Sub S corporations. The TCJA created a new 20 percent business income deduction for pass-through businesses referred to as Sec. 199A. Repealing the Sec.199A business income deduction would expand the tax base of pass-through businesses, increasing their taxes and erasing much of the benefit of the TCJA. Increase in estate and gift tax exemption The TCJA doubled the estate tax exemption to $11 million person/$22 million couple indexed for inflation. If the exemption is allowed to revert back, more farms and ranches will be subject to estate taxes. And, as long as the exemption level is temporary, money must be spent on estate tax planning rather than on growing farm and ranch businesses Provisions Expiring on December 31, 2026 Additional first-year depreciation with respect to qualified property (Bonus Depreciation. Bonus depreciation (expensing) allows farmers to better manage their taxes by offsetting income with deductions for their business expenses. This is especially critical because like-kind exchanges for equipment and livestock are repealed. Election of additional depreciation for certain plants bearing fruits and nuts This provision improves cash flow by allowing farmers to deduct 50 percent of pre-productive costs like pruning, irrigation, fertilizer, and spraying in the year the expense is incurred rather than having to wait to deduct them over the productive life of the plant or tree. Provisions Expiring on December 22, 2027 Expensing of certain costs of replanting citrus plants lost by reason of casualty This provision allows citrus farmers whose trees have been destroyed by weather, disease, pest or other disaster to deduct the full cost of replanting instead of having to wait and deduct the costs over the productive life of the tree. Supported S. 480 or H.R. 1381, Main Street Tax Certainty Act The Section 199A business income deduction, passed as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, allows pass through businesses to take a deduction worth 20 percent of their business income. Ninety-eight percent of farms and ranches are organized as pass through businesses. The 199A deduction is temporary and expires at the end of 2025. If it is not made permanent, the result will be a huge increase in the taxes that farmers and ranchers pay and leave them without ways to deal with the cyclical and unpredictable nature of their businesses. Supported HR 1712, Death Tax Repeal Act and S.617, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 Continued support of 1031 like kind exchanges. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development. Continued support of low capital gains. Capital gains taxes are imposed on the sale of land, buildings, breeding livestock and some timber. The tax is owed on the amount that the property increased in value since it was purchased. The impact of capital gains taxes on farming and ranching is significant because production agriculture requires large investments in land and buildings that are held for long periods of time, during which land values can more than triple. The current top capital gains tax rate of 20 percent is typically only assessed on high-income taxpayers. However, farmers and ranchers often pay the top rate because their capital gains can be realized in a single year, for example when a farm is sold. This high rate discourages improvements that advance sustainable practices and top notch animal care on farms. Capital gains taxes make it harder for beginning farmers to get started because they create a disincentive for established farmers to sell land and buildings. Land and buildings account for nearly 80% of farm and ranch assets. Eliminating or reducing the capital gains tax would make farming more accessible to beginning and young farmers. Opposed HR 2286, which would do away with stepped up basis. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed.

Supported the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act, S. 3917, which would expand telemental health services in rural areas. The bill, S. 3917, would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in coordination with the Rural Health Liaison of the Department of Agriculture to award grants for home-based telemental health care demonstrations. This new program would increase mental health services in rural medically underserved populations and for individuals in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The bill would authorize up to $10 million for each of fiscal year 2020 to 2024 of funds currently available to the Secretary of HHS. HHS would submit a report to Congress during the third and fifth year on the impact and quality of care of home-based telemental health care services. Telemental health is the delivery of mental health services using remote technologies when the patient and provider are separated by distance. This service has the potential to alleviate the lack of mental health services in rural areas and allow rural residents to connect with the mental health professional from the comfort of their home. The recent pandemic, challenging weather, trade disputes, labor shortages and market volatility over the past few years have brought an unprecedented level of pressure on Americas farmers. H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Health Care: The bill provides $100 billion for hospitals and for COVID testing. A summary of the health care provisions is attached. *$75 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue. *$25 billion to expand capacity for COVID-19 tests. *$600 million of funding is earmarked for Community Health Centers and $225 million for rural health clinics. Supported legislation to allow the Farm Credit System to make loans for health care and other infrastructure projects in rural America. Access to health care in rural America is on the decline at the same time that the current health care crisis is accelerating the need for more and better-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. According to the National Rural Health Association, 121 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, and in 2019 the U.S. experienced more rural hospital closures than in any other year in the past decade. Expanding the Farm Credit Systems authority help build, upgrade and expand rural facilities will improve health care access and medical services for farmers and their neighbors and strengthen the communities where they live and work.

Opposed H.R. 5737 which would require federal land management agencies to permanently end livestock grazing on any allotments where the current permittee has accepted a payout in exchange for relinquishment of their term grazing permit. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulatory Modernization The industry needs more efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure and modernizing the NEPA review process will deliver those projects to communities across the country, not just for agriculture, but for every sector of the economy. It shouldnt take 7 years to approve a grazing permit or a highway project. We support regulation that makes sense, helps us protect our natural resources and doesnt stifle economic growth. Federal grazing permits last 10 years, but as soon as one is granted, ranchers often begin working preparing for the permit renewal years in advance due to the lengthy NEPA review process. Ranchers utilize forage on federal grazing allotments which provides numerous environmental benefits including wildland fire risk reduction, carbon sequestration, and habitat improvement for wildlife and endangered species. NEPA delays can risk the positive measures livestock grazing provides to our public lands that federal land management agencies could not do on its own. American farmers and ranchers need reliable and safe infrastructure to deliver their products to consumers in the U.S. and around the world and to get the supplies they need on the farm. Americas infrastructure is in decline, and it takes the federal government an average of 7 years to complete a NEPA review. Continuing to be the greatest economy in the world will require a more efficient review process. Modern infrastructure is key to remaining competitive - for agriculture and other industries. If we dont repair and upgrade it - America will fall behind. Renewable Energy Throughout rural America, windmills, biofuel facilities, and other renewable energy products are helping reduce our nations carbon footprint, but too many projects are threatened by an onerous and outdated NEPA review process. Modernizing NEPA will help speed up deployment of renewable energy projects, helping farmers and ranchers protect and care for the natural resources we all rely upon.

Opposed H.R. 5737 which would require federal land management agencies to permanently end livestock grazing on any allotments where the current permittee has accepted a payout in exchange for relinquishment of their term grazing permit. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulatory Modernization The industry needs more efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure and modernizing the NEPA review process will deliver those projects to communities across the country, not just for agriculture, but for every sector of the economy. It shouldnt take 7 years to approve a grazing permit or a highway project. We support regulation that makes sense, helps us protect our natural resources and doesnt stifle economic growth. Federal grazing permits last 10 years, but as soon as one is granted, ranchers often begin working preparing for the permit renewal years in advance due to the lengthy NEPA review process. Ranchers utilize forage on federal grazing allotments which provides numerous environmental benefits including wildland fire risk reduction, carbon sequestration, and habitat improvement for wildlife and endangered species. NEPA delays can risk the positive measures livestock grazing provides to our public lands that federal land management agencies could not do on its own. American farmers and ranchers need reliable and safe infrastructure to deliver their products to consumers in the U.S. and around the world and to get the supplies they need on the farm. Americas infrastructure is in decline, and it takes the federal government an average of 7 years to complete a NEPA review. Continuing to be the greatest economy in the world will require a more efficient review process. Modern infrastructure is key to remaining competitive - for agriculture and other industries. If we dont repair and upgrade it - America will fall behind. Renewable Energy Throughout rural America, windmills, biofuel facilities, and other renewable energy products are helping reduce our nations carbon footprint, but too many projects are threatened by an onerous and outdated NEPA review process. Modernizing NEPA will help speed up deployment of renewable energy projects, helping farmers and ranchers protect and care for the natural resources we all rely upon.

Supported Accurate Labels Act, H.R. 6044, was reintroduced in the House by Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR). The Accurate Labels Act is intended to provide clear, accurate, and meaningful information to consumers. The Accurate Labels Act would amend the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to ensure that consumers have access to clear, accurate and meaningful product information by doing the following: *Establish science-based criteria for all additional state and local labeling requirements. States that meet the criteria can enact their own ingredient listing or labeling programs. *Allow state-mandated product information to be provided through smartphone-enabled smart labels and on websites, where consumers can find up-to-date, relevant ingredients and warnings. *Ensure that covered product information is risk-based. Warning labels act as important precautionary notices of legitimate risks and need to be taken seriously. *These changes to federal law will ensure that consumers continue to benefit from the nutritional and allergy information on packaging today, while guaranteeing that any additional product information required by states or cities is clear, accurate, meaningful and science-based.

Supported HR 6611 that would appropriate an additional $50 billion to the office of the secretary for producer relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and waives the payment limit caps and would raise the borrowing limit of the Commodity Credit Corporation from $30 billion to $50 billion. Supported both portions of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, both the food box distribution portion as well as the disaster type relief funding for producers. CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals. Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19. USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need. USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs. The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability. Worked to ensure viable application and funding receipt success for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, both the food box program and tradition disaster funding portion of the program. CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals. Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19. USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need. USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs. The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability. Monitored HR 6800, HEROES ACT, specifically the agriculture provisions, which include: Livestock Section 60101. Ensures livestock producers are paid for their animals by requiring dealer trusts, for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of livestock. Section 60102. Provides emergency assistance to support livestock producers who are forced to euthanize marketready livestock due to local processing plant disruptions because of COVID19. Section 60103. Provides $300 million to support improved animal health surveillance and laboratories, some of which are performing COVID19 tests in this public health emergency. Dairy Section 60201. Establishes a direct dairy donation program to prevent dumped milk and facilitate rapid donations of displaced dairy products directly to feeding programs. Milk associated with donated products would be reimbursed at current Class I prices. Section 60202. Provides necessary cash flow assistance to small and midsized dairies that have grown over the last seven years by establishing supplemental margin coverage based on the difference between 2019 actual production and Dairy Margin Coverage production history. Section 60203. Authorizes an USDA recourse loan program for dairy processors, packagers, merchants, marketers, wholesalers, and distributors. Section 60204. Reduces the cost of Dairy Margin Coverage premiums for operations that commit to participating in the program for 20212023 by providing a payment worth 15% of annual premium costs. Specialty Crops and Other Commodities Section 60301. Provides $100 million in additional funding to address COVID19 specialty crop supply chain issues at the state level via Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds. Section 60302. Provides $50 million in additional funding to support local farmers, farmers markets, and other local food outlets who are impacted by COVID19 market disruptions. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds. Section 60303. Provides $50 million to support beginning farmers and ranchers with financial, operational, and marketing advice in this difficult market. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds. Section 60304. Provides $28 million to be distributed as block grants to State departments of agriculture for use to support existing farm stress programs. Section 60305. Provides support for renewable fuels and cotton textile mills. Section 60306. Provides $16.5 billion for direct payments to agricultural producers. Commodity Credit Corporation Section 60401. Amends the CCC Charter Act to add authority for the Secretary to deal with the removal and disposal of livestock and poultry due to supply chain interruption during a public health emergency. Amends the CCC Charter Act to add authority to assist agricultural processing plants in the event of a public health emergency in order to assure the continuation of markets for agricultural commodities. Section 60402. Amends the CCC Charter Act to require Congressional notification before disbursement of CCC funding. Conservation Section 60501. Expands the Conservation Reserve Program Soil Health Incentive Pilot Program to 5 million acres. Nutrition Section 60602. Provides $25 million for Farm to Food Bank and makes program improvements for these additional funds. Section 60606. Increases the SNAP benefit level by 15%. Excludes the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation as countable income for SNAP benefit calculation. Increases the minimum SNAP benefit to $30 per month. Waives all work requirements for SNAP and prevents funding for USDA to implement or finalize the AbleBodied Adults Without Dependents, Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, and Standard Utility Allowance rules. Provides additional funding to States for SNAP administration this fiscal year, to meet the increased need for SNAP. Section 60607. Directs USDA to allow the use of SNAP to purchase hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption from authorized retail food stores. Section 60608. Provides flexibility for SNAP Nutrition Education. Supported Senate legislation that would allow emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres during the COVID-19 health crisis. Under the current statute, emergency CRP haying and grazing is limited to weather-related disaster events. Allowing for emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres will help producers ensure adequate forage for the livestock they are having to keep longer than expected due to low prices and/or meat processing capacity shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continued to support all forms of broadband and connectivity activity including the concept of using TV white space was introduced by Microsoft. OFB is a long standing member of the Connect America Now (CAN) Coalition founded for the purpose of using white space. A supported H.R. 6723, the Universal Broadband Act, which would modernize the contribution rates of the Federal Communication Commissions USF. The current model draws contributions solely from telephone services, while this bill would expand contributions to include broadband services. The USF continues to be the primary method FCC uses to address broadband shortages. These funds include four pivotal programs to close the digital divide: High Cost (Connect America), Schools and Libraries (E-rate), Low Income (Lifeline), and Rural Health Care programs. The Universal Broadband Act would stabilize the USF revenue stream, and implement important changes: *Codify that broadband is within the definition of Universal Service; *Require the FCC to set the contribution rate as needed to meet Universal Service goals and serve all Americans; *Require consultation between USDAs RUS, the NTIA, and the FCC; *Create reporting requirements to ensure the FCC is meeting their build out goals; and *Prioritize unserved areas, and further ensure tribal areas are served.

Supported the Health Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, which includes the American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act that makes several tax code changes important to farmers and ranchers. The American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act that makes several tax code changes important to farmers and ranchers. Provisions include improvements to the Employee Retention Tax Credit, a new tax credit to help employers pay for personal protective equipment, a needed change to Net Operating Loss rules, and a second round of assistance payments to individuals.: Employee Retention Tax Credit - Section 211 Passed as part of the CARES Act, the ERTC provides businesses with a financial incentive to keep employees on the payroll. The tax credit is available to employers regardless of size when business operations are fully or partially suspended by the government or when gross receipts are 50% less than the comparable quarter in 2019. The proposed bill reduces the percentage to 25 percent of a comparable quarter in a previous year. Under the CARES Act, an employer may not claim Employee Retention Credits if it receives a PPP loan. The proposal allows an employer to be eligible for both programs but prevents overlapping payments. The original ERTC is for 50% of up to $10,000 of wages per employee paid after March 12 and before January 1, 2021. The proposed change would increase the percentage to 65% of up to $10,000 per quarter limited to $30,000 for the calendar year. Qualifying wages are based on the average number of employees in 2019. If the employer had 100 or fewer employees the credit is for wages paid to all employees, regardless if they worked or not. If the employer had more than 100 employees, then the credit is only for wages paid to employees who did not work. The proposal would increase the threshold to 500 employees and also clarify that group health plan expenses are includes as wages even when no other wages are being paid to the employee. Employers can immediately reduce required deposits of Social Security payroll taxes that have been withheld from employees wages. The employer can request payment If the tax credit exceeds the amount of taxes that the employer would have deposited. New Safe and Health Workplace Tax Credit - Section 213 The proposal establishes a new refundable payroll tax credit equal to 50 percent of an employers qualified employee protection expenses, such as testing for COVID-19, protective personal equipment, cleaning supplies, modifications to workspaces and for contactless point of-sale systems and other technology to track employee interactions with customers. The expenditures must have a primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19 among other requirements. In each calendar quarter, qualified expenses cannot exceed a cap based on the average number of employees. The cap is equal to $1,000 for each of the first 500 employees, plus $750 for each employee between 500 and 1000, plus $500 for each employee that exceeds 1,000. The credit also permits self-employed individuals, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, and farmers, to claim a refundable credit against income taxes for the same types of COVID-19 related expenses. The credit applies to expenses incurred after March 12, 2020 and before January 1, 2021. Election to waive application of certain modifications to farming losses - Section 224 The proposal allows farmers who elected a two-year net operating loss carryback prior to the CARES Act to elect to retain that two-year carryback rather than claim the five-year carryback provided in the CARES Act. This provision applies retroactively and will eliminate unnecessary compliance burdens. Additional Recovery Rebates for Individuals - Sect 201 and 202 All individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 married) who have an eligible Social Security number will receive an additional recovery rebate of $1,200 ($2,400 married). In addition, they are eligible for an additional $500 per dependent rebate. But unlike under the CARES Act where the additional payment was only for a dependent child under 17, an additional $500 will now be provided for dependents of any age. The amount of the rebate phases-out completely once the income of single filers exceeds $99,000 or the income of joint filers exceeds $198,000. Supported HR 6821 Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020 and S 3612 Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020, which would address a possible/probably tax liability issue for PPP Loans. The PPP is a loan program created by the CARES Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides an incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive PPP loans if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The amount of the forgiven PPP loan does not count as taxable income for the business owner. The IRS issued Notice 2020-32 which said that when a PPP loan is forgiven, expenses for payroll, rent, mortgage interest and utilities that are paid for with PPP funds cant be deducted when the business owner calculates his/her taxes at the end of the year. Since the forgiven PPP loan amount and the amount of lost deductions are the same, the effect is to make the forgiven loan taxable. Also supported enhancements to Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) to make it easier for businesses to take advantage of the tax credit. Supported HR 6776, the JOBS Credit Act of 2020, which would expand the credit percentage from 50 percent to 80 percent of qualified wages.

Supported HR 6611 that would appropriate an additional $50 billion to the office of the secretary for producer relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and waives the payment limit caps and would raise the borrowing limit of the Commodity Credit Corporation from $30 billion to $50 billion. Supported both portions of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, both the food box distribution portion as well as the disaster type relief funding for producers. CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals. Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19. USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need. USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs. The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability. Worked to ensure viable application and funding receipt success for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, both the food box program and tradition disaster funding portion of the program. CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals. Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19. USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need. USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs. The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability. Monitored HR 6800, HEROES ACT, specifically the agriculture provisions, which include: Livestock Section 60101. Ensures livestock producers are paid for their animals by requiring dealer trusts, for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of livestock. Section 60102. Provides emergency assistance to support livestock producers who are forced to euthanize marketready livestock due to local processing plant disruptions because of COVID19. Section 60103. Provides $300 million to support improved animal health surveillance and laboratories, some of which are performing COVID19 tests in this public health emergency. Dairy Section 60201. Establishes a direct dairy donation program to prevent dumped milk and facilitate rapid donations of displaced dairy products directly to feeding programs. Milk associated with donated products would be reimbursed at current Class I prices. Section 60202. Provides necessary cash flow assistance to small and midsized dairies that have grown over the last seven years by establishing supplemental margin coverage based on the difference between 2019 actual production and Dairy Margin Coverage production history. Section 60203. Authorizes an USDA recourse loan program for dairy processors, packagers, merchants, marketers, wholesalers, and distributors. Section 60204. Reduces the cost of Dairy Margin Coverage premiums for operations that commit to participating in the program for 20212023 by providing a payment worth 15% of annual premium costs. Specialty Crops and Other Commodities Section 60301. Provides $100 million in additional funding to address COVID19 specialty crop supply chain issues at the state level via Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds. Section 60302. Provides $50 million in additional funding to support local farmers, farmers markets, and other local food outlets who are impacted by COVID19 market disruptions. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds. Section 60303. Provides $50 million to support beginning farmers and ranchers with financial, operational, and marketing advice in this difficult market. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds. Section 60304. Provides $28 million to be distributed as block grants to State departments of agriculture for use to support existing farm stress programs. Section 60305. Provides support for renewable fuels and cotton textile mills. Section 60306. Provides $16.5 billion for direct payments to agricultural producers. Commodity Credit Corporation Section 60401. Amends the CCC Charter Act to add authority for the Secretary to deal with the removal and disposal of livestock and poultry due to supply chain interruption during a public health emergency. Amends the CCC Charter Act to add authority to assist agricultural processing plants in the event of a public health emergency in order to assure the continuation of markets for agricultural commodities. Section 60402. Amends the CCC Charter Act to require Congressional notification before disbursement of CCC funding. Conservation Section 60501. Expands the Conservation Reserve Program Soil Health Incentive Pilot Program to 5 million acres. Nutrition Section 60602. Provides $25 million for Farm to Food Bank and makes program improvements for these additional funds. Section 60606. Increases the SNAP benefit level by 15%. Excludes the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation as countable income for SNAP benefit calculation. Increases the minimum SNAP benefit to $30 per month. Waives all work requirements for SNAP and prevents funding for USDA to implement or finalize the AbleBodied Adults Without Dependents, Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, and Standard Utility Allowance rules. Provides additional funding to States for SNAP administration this fiscal year, to meet the increased need for SNAP. Section 60607. Directs USDA to allow the use of SNAP to purchase hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption from authorized retail food stores. Section 60608. Provides flexibility for SNAP Nutrition Education. Supported Senate legislation that would allow emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres during the COVID-19 health crisis. Under the current statute, emergency CRP haying and grazing is limited to weather-related disaster events. Allowing for emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres will help producers ensure adequate forage for the livestock they are having to keep longer than expected due to low prices and/or meat processing capacity shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supported the Health Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, which includes the American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act that makes several tax code changes important to farmers and ranchers. The American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act that makes several tax code changes important to farmers and ranchers. Provisions include improvements to the Employee Retention Tax Credit, a new tax credit to help employers pay for personal protective equipment, a needed change to Net Operating Loss rules, and a second round of assistance payments to individuals.: Employee Retention Tax Credit - Section 211 Passed as part of the CARES Act, the ERTC provides businesses with a financial incentive to keep employees on the payroll. The tax credit is available to employers regardless of size when business operations are fully or partially suspended by the government or when gross receipts are 50% less than the comparable quarter in 2019. The proposed bill reduces the percentage to 25 percent of a comparable quarter in a previous year. Under the CARES Act, an employer may not claim Employee Retention Credits if it receives a PPP loan. The proposal allows an employer to be eligible for both programs but prevents overlapping payments. The original ERTC is for 50% of up to $10,000 of wages per employee paid after March 12 and before January 1, 2021. The proposed change would increase the percentage to 65% of up to $10,000 per quarter limited to $30,000 for the calendar year. Qualifying wages are based on the average number of employees in 2019. If the employer had 100 or fewer employees the credit is for wages paid to all employees, regardless if they worked or not. If the employer had more than 100 employees, then the credit is only for wages paid to employees who did not work. The proposal would increase the threshold to 500 employees and also clarify that group health plan expenses are includes as wages even when no other wages are being paid to the employee. Employers can immediately reduce required deposits of Social Security payroll taxes that have been withheld from employees wages. The employer can request payment If the tax credit exceeds the amount of taxes that the employer would have deposited. New Safe and Health Workplace Tax Credit - Section 213 The proposal establishes a new refundable payroll tax credit equal to 50 percent of an employers qualified employee protection expenses, such as testing for COVID-19, protective personal equipment, cleaning supplies, modifications to workspaces and for contactless point of-sale systems and other technology to track employee interactions with customers. The expenditures must have a primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19 among other requirements. In each calendar quarter, qualified expenses cannot exceed a cap based on the average number of employees. The cap is equal to $1,000 for each of the first 500 employees, plus $750 for each employee between 500 and 1000, plus $500 for each employee that exceeds 1,000. The credit also permits self-employed individuals, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, and farmers, to claim a refundable credit against income taxes for the same types of COVID-19 related expenses. The credit applies to expenses incurred after March 12, 2020 and before January 1, 2021. Election to waive application of certain modifications to farming losses - Section 224 The proposal allows farmers who elected a two-year net operating loss carryback prior to the CARES Act to elect to retain that two-year carryback rather than claim the five-year carryback provided in the CARES Act. This provision applies retroactively and will eliminate unnecessary compliance burdens. Additional Recovery Rebates for Individuals - Sect 201 and 202 All individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 married) who have an eligible Social Security number will receive an additional recovery rebate of $1,200 ($2,400 married). In addition, they are eligible for an additional $500 per dependent rebate. But unlike under the CARES Act where the additional payment was only for a dependent child under 17, an additional $500 will now be provided for dependents of any age. The amount of the rebate phases-out completely once the income of single filers exceeds $99,000 or the income of joint filers exceeds $198,000. Supported HR 6821 Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020 and S 3612 Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020, which would address a possible/probably tax liability issue for PPP Loans. The PPP is a loan program created by the CARES Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides an incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive PPP loans if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The amount of the forgiven PPP loan does not count as taxable income for the business owner. The IRS issued Notice 2020-32 which said that when a PPP loan is forgiven, expenses for payroll, rent, mortgage interest and utilities that are paid for with PPP funds cant be deducted when the business owner calculates his/her taxes at the end of the year. Since the forgiven PPP loan amount and the amount of lost deductions are the same, the effect is to make the forgiven loan taxable. Also supported enhancements to Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) to make it easier for businesses to take advantage of the tax credit. Supported HR 6776, the JOBS Credit Act of 2020, which would expand the credit percentage from 50 percent to 80 percent of qualified wages.

Supported S. 3918, the Paycheck Protection for Producers Act and companion bill, H.R. 7175. This bill addresses one of the major hurdles for sole proprietors who file a Schedule F by allowing farmers and ranchers to use their 2019 Schedule F gross income (up to $100,000) when calculating their PPP loan rather than 2019 net income. The bill would also allow farmers and ranchers who received a PPP loan using their 2019 net income to recalculate their loan award using 2019 gross income if it would result in a larger loan amount. Supported both the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Emergency Industry Disaster Loan (EIDL). Worked to ensure that there was a small lender set aside and H2A employees for eligible to be counted when making application for PPP. Also, worked to ensure that all types of agriculture businesses were eligible for EIDL grants/loans, specifically with regard to those who are self employed and sole proprietors. Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Extends eligibility to agricultural enterprises, as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)) and have 500 or fewer employees to participate in the EIDL. The definition mentioned above is: (b) As used in this Act, the term agricultural enterprises means those small business concerns engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural-related industries. Provides $60 billion for the EIDL program. Paycheck Protection Program: Provides $320 billion for the PPP. While AFBF supports this funding, we are asking Congress to include the corrections that AFBF shared to improve the programs assistance for agricultural producers and support eligibility for tax-exempt agricultural organizations that assist farmers and ranchers in the next round of legislation. Small Lender Set-Aside: The bill creates a $60 billion set-aside for Insured Depository Institutions, Credit Unions, and Community Financial Institutions for the PPP. However, the set-aside does not include the Farm Credit System.

Supported HR 7619, the Expanding Assistance to Farmers Act of 2020. The bill would amend the Small Business Act and the CARES Act to allow farmers to use their PPP loans on rental equipment used for agribusiness (including tractors, combines, forage harvesters, planters, sprayers, hay rakes and wagons, field equipment, irrigation equipment, tools and supplies), land and buildings. These payments would also qualify for loan forgiveness.

Began to work on authorization/appropriations for 2020 Wildfire Hurricane Indemnity Program for 2020 disasters. Specific to Oregon is necessary WHIP funding for unprecedented wildfire season. Supported H.R. 7679 which would raise the Commodity Credit Corporations borrowing authority to $68 billion and index it to inflation. Increasing CCC borrowing authority would give USDA greater flexibility to maintain farm bill programs that support U.S. agricultural producers and stabilize domestic agricultural markets. Continued to encourage additional crop eligibility to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP. Efforts resulted in; Alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, Brussels sprouts, celeriac (celery root), chives, cilantro, coconuts, collard greens, dandelion greens, greens (others not listed separately), guava, kale greens, lettuce - including Boston, green leaf, Lolla Rossa, oak leaf green, oak leaf red and red leaf - marjoram, mint, mustard, okra, oregano, parsnips, passion fruit, peas (green), pineapple, pistachios, radicchio, rosemary, sage, savory, sorrel, fresh sugarcane, Swiss chard, thyme and turnip top greens are now eligible for CFAP. Apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro have additional program eligibility. Originally, these commodities were only eligible for marketing adjustments. Apples, artichokes, asparagus, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, garlic, kiwifruit, mushrooms, papaya, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, rhubarb, tangerines and taro have updated payment rates. Supported the RAMP-UP Act which provides grants for small custom meat processors to become FSIS inspected. The legislation would establish a program to make facility upgrade and planning grants to existing meat and poultry processors to help them move to Federal Inspection and be able to sell their products across state lines. The grants will be capped at $100,000 per facility. The legislation will also require USDA to work with States and report on ways to improve the existing Cooperative Interstate Shipment program. Also supported the DIRECT Act allows for online sales of state inspected meat across state lines. The legislation would allow State Inspected (MPI) meat to be sold across state lines, but only through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers. The legislation allows new flexibilities without compromising food safety recall ability, or jeopardizing trade market access through equivalency agreements. Evaluated the impact of Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule, in which the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recommends amending the USDA organic regulations regarding oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic agricultural products. The proposed amendments seek to ensure integrity in the organic supply chain and the USDA organic label.

Advocate for S. 4117 and H.R. 7777, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, which would forgive PPP loans of less than $150,000 upon the borrowers completion of a simple, one-page forgiveness document. Simplifying the loan forgiveness process would alleviate hours of paperwork for borrowers. A variation of this act has been included in the Senate and House proposed COVID bills.

The U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced an interim final rule (IFR) that further clarifies the definition of the terms any agricultural commodity, livestock, and non-processed food for the purposes of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Currently, during harvesting and planting seasons as determined by each state, drivers transporting agricultural commodities, including livestock, are exempt from the HOS requirements from the source of the commodities to a location within a 150-air-mile radius from the source. FMCSA proposed an advance final rule in September 2019 after indications that the current definition of these terms may not be understood or enforced consistently when determining whether the HOS exemption applies. Reviewed definitions in rule. Agricultural commodity means: Any agricultural commodity, nonprocessed food, feed, fiber, or livestock as defined in this section. As used in this definition, the term any agricultural commodity means horticultural products at risk of perishing, or degrading in quality, during transport by commercial motor vehicle, including plants, sod, flowers, shrubs, ornamentals, seedlings, live trees, and Christmas trees. Livestock means livestock as defined in sec. 602 of the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 [7 U.S.C.1471], as amended, insects, and all other living animals cultivated, grown, or raised for commercial purposes, including aquatic animals. Non-processed food means food commodities in a raw or natural state and not subjected to significant post-harvest changes to enhance shelf life, such as canning, jarring, freezing, or drying. The term non-processed food includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and cereal and oilseed crops which have been minimally processed by cleaning, cooling, trimming, cutting, chopping, shucking, bagging, or packaging to facilitate transport by commercial motor vehicle. Advocated for passage of S. 1811, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 approves 46 new flood control, harbor, ecosystem and lock and dam projects on waterways across the country and would authorize the study of 27 additional projects, including the reallocation of the Willamette River. Agriculture depends on efficient ports and inland waterway infrastructure. Two provisions of WRDA 2020 that are particularly helpful for shipping agricultural products: Section 109 will bolster the U.S. inland waterways transportation system for the next ten years by amending the cost-share formula for the construction and major rehabilitation of inland waterways navigation projects from the 50:50 percent general revenue: Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) funding to 65 percent general revenue and 35 percent IWTF. Section 101 of WRDA 2020 which will better ensure that funds collected and deposited in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) go towards their intended purpose of dredging the nations ports and harbors.

Support Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, S. 1822 The House and Senate have approved the DATA Act. This bipartisan bill, once signed into law, will improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout. The DATA Act corrects the current method of gathering broadband coverage data by requiring broadband providers to report data in a way that is significantly more accurate, granular and transparent. More granular and accurate maps are critical to successfully target and distribute federal broadband programs. FCCs Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force The Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force will focus on the connectivity and technology needs of precision agriculture. Mississippi Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick was appointed to the task force. Blake Hurst was named vice chair of the working group for Examining Current and Future Connectivity Demand for Precision Agriculture. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund On Jan. 30, the FCC approved the final rules to reallocate $20.4 billion from the Universal Service Fund over a 10-year period for rural broadband deployment. This new program will be called the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. FCC Chairman Pai estimates that this funding will connect 4 million rural Americans to broadband service. ReConnect Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would begin accepting applications for the second round of $550 million in loan and grant funding on January 31, 2020.USDA has already awarded $343 million from the first round and expects to announce the next round of awards soon. Reliable internet access is more important that every before for rural agriculture producers Broadband is no longer a luxury, its a necessity. Rural broadband is essential to modern agriculture, the farmers and ranchers who grow our food and the quality of life of rural Americans. While most Americans take broadband for granted, 26.4% of rural Americans lack access, according to the Federal Communications Commission. This is alarming, particularly when compared to the only 1.7% of urban Americans who lack broadband access. Farmers not only grow our food, fuel and fiber, they also generate terabytes of data allowing them to precisely apply fertilizer where it is needed, target seed distribution during planting, monitor farm machinery for potential problems and make data-driven business decisions. Broadband-based programs also make it possible for livestock producers to monitor feed usage, schedule delivery of animals, improve the efficiency of their operations and ensure animal health. Americas farmers and ranchers embrace technology that allows their farming operations to be more efficient, economical and environmentally sensitive. Broadband connectivity allows equipment like cloud-connected planters, irrigators, tractors and harvesters to automatically change application rates for seed, fertilizer and other inputs. This improves sustainability by allowing farmers to apply less water, protect soil health and plant seeds to achieve optimal yield and lower environmental impact. Current and future generations of rural Americans will be left behind without affordable broadband service that gives them online access to health care and education services, government agency resources and new business opportunities. School children should not have to go to a fast-food restaurant or coffee shop in town to get access to high-speed internet because its unavailable at home. As more primary care physicians and specialists leave rural communities, telemedicine has become a necessity in providing access to critical health care services for rural residents. With more than 19 million rural Americans not having broadband access, there are multiple concerns for farm families during this public health crisis. Farm Bureau asks Congress to appropriate significant funding for rural broadband deployment that erases the digital divide and provides universal service to all areas of the country. More than 72,000 schools have closed due to COVID-19. Many schools have instructed students to continue their education online. However, rural students without broadband access will be severely limited in their ability to stay connected with their teachers and peers and keep up with their schoolwork. In many cases, adults in rural households have off-farm jobs that may require them to work from home at this time. Without broadband connections, their jobs could be in jeopardy. With health care facilities in all communities poised for an onslaught of potentially sick and highly contagious COVID-19 patients, doctors and nurses in rural facilities must be able to quickly connect with medical specialists. Telemedicine networks are likely the best method to provide this service, but these networks may be unavailable in rural areas that do not have adequate broadband access.

Opposed S. 3422, the Great American Outdoors Act which includes a permanent annual allocation of $900 million to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill includes two titles. The first title would address the multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog in National Parks and other federal lands by spending $9.5 billion of federal offshore energy revenues over five years on deferred maintenance projects. The second title would modify the LWCF to a fund not subject to congressional appropriation and mandate that $900 million from offshore oil and gas revenues be spent annually in perpetuity on land acquisition by the federal land management agencies and on land acquisition and development of recreational facilities by state and local governments.

Opposed S. 3422, the Great American Outdoors Act which includes a permanent annual allocation of $900 million to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill includes two titles. The first title would address the multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog in National Parks and other federal lands by spending $9.5 billion of federal offshore energy revenues over five years on deferred maintenance projects. The second title would modify the LWCF to a fund not subject to congressional appropriation and mandate that $900 million from offshore oil and gas revenues be spent annually in perpetuity on land acquisition by the federal land management agencies and on land acquisition and development of recreational facilities by state and local governments.

Supported S. 3559, the Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act, to be included in the coronavirus package. The new legislation seeks to address the financial strain to rural health care providers and hospitals due to the pandemic. To accommodate the millions of anticipated coronavirus cases, state and federal governments have suspended elective surgeries to free up hospital beds for people expected to be hospitalized by the virus. However, because rural hospitals rely disproportionately on elective surgery this directive is making it more difficult for them to keep their doors open, make payroll for their workers, and continue serving their communities. S. 3559, the Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act, would help rural hospitals and providers and the 60 million Americans who depend on them for health care. The measure would: *Provide Immediate Relief for Rural Hospitals with an emergency mandatory one-time grant to Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural Prospective *Payment System (PPS) hospitals equaling $1,000 per patient day for three months. *Provide Stabilization for Rural Hospitals with a one-time, emergency grant for CAH and rural PPS hospitals equaling the total reimbursement received for services for three months to stabilize the loss of revenue. *Encourage Hospital Coordination with a 20% increase in Medicare reimbursement for any patient in a rural hospital using the swing bed program to incentivize freeing up capacity in larger, overcrowded hospitals. *Provide Stabilization and Relief for Providers with an emergency, one-time grant for all providers and ambulatory surgery centers equal to their total payroll from January 1 - April 1, 2019. *Provide Funding for Physicians and Providers by authorizing the Small Business Administration to provide low interest loans to providers and ambulatory surgery centers at a 0.25% interest rate that will not accrue until two years after the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.

Supported the Health Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, which includes the American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act that makes several tax code changes important to farmers and ranchers. The American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act that makes several tax code changes important to farmers and ranchers. Provisions include improvements to the Employee Retention Tax Credit, a new tax credit to help employers pay for personal protective equipment, a needed change to Net Operating Loss rules, and a second round of assistance payments to individuals.: Employee Retention Tax Credit - Section 211 Passed as part of the CARES Act, the ERTC provides businesses with a financial incentive to keep employees on the payroll. The tax credit is available to employers regardless of size when business operations are fully or partially suspended by the government or when gross receipts are 50% less than the comparable quarter in 2019. The proposed bill reduces the percentage to 25 percent of a comparable quarter in a previous year. Under the CARES Act, an employer may not claim Employee Retention Credits if it receives a PPP loan. The proposal allows an employer to be eligible for both programs but prevents overlapping payments. The original ERTC is for 50% of up to $10,000 of wages per employee paid after March 12 and before January 1, 2021. The proposed change would increase the percentage to 65% of up to $10,000 per quarter limited to $30,000 for the calendar year. Qualifying wages are based on the average number of employees in 2019. If the employer had 100 or fewer employees the credit is for wages paid to all employees, regardless if they worked or not. If the employer had more than 100 employees, then the credit is only for wages paid to employees who did not work. The proposal would increase the threshold to 500 employees and also clarify that group health plan expenses are includes as wages even when no other wages are being paid to the employee. Employers can immediately reduce required deposits of Social Security payroll taxes that have been withheld from employees wages. The employer can request payment If the tax credit exceeds the amount of taxes that the employer would have deposited. New Safe and Health Workplace Tax Credit - Section 213 The proposal establishes a new refundable payroll tax credit equal to 50 percent of an employers qualified employee protection expenses, such as testing for COVID-19, protective personal equipment, cleaning supplies, modifications to workspaces and for contactless point of-sale systems and other technology to track employee interactions with customers. The expenditures must have a primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19 among other requirements. In each calendar quarter, qualified expenses cannot exceed a cap based on the average number of employees. The cap is equal to $1,000 for each of the first 500 employees, plus $750 for each employee between 500 and 1000, plus $500 for each employee that exceeds 1,000. The credit also permits self-employed individuals, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, and farmers, to claim a refundable credit against income taxes for the same types of COVID-19 related expenses. The credit applies to expenses incurred after March 12, 2020 and before January 1, 2021. Election to waive application of certain modifications to farming losses - Section 224 The proposal allows farmers who elected a two-year net operating loss carryback prior to the CARES Act to elect to retain that two-year carryback rather than claim the five-year carryback provided in the CARES Act. This provision applies retroactively and will eliminate unnecessary compliance burdens. Additional Recovery Rebates for Individuals - Sect 201 and 202 All individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 married) who have an eligible Social Security number will receive an additional recovery rebate of $1,200 ($2,400 married). In addition, they are eligible for an additional $500 per dependent rebate. But unlike under the CARES Act where the additional payment was only for a dependent child under 17, an additional $500 will now be provided for dependents of any age. The amount of the rebate phases-out completely once the income of single filers exceeds $99,000 or the income of joint filers exceeds $198,000. Supported HR 6821 Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020 and S 3612 Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020, which would address a possible/probably tax liability issue for PPP Loans. The PPP is a loan program created by the CARES Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides an incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive PPP loans if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The amount of the forgiven PPP loan does not count as taxable income for the business owner. The IRS issued Notice 2020-32 which said that when a PPP loan is forgiven, expenses for payroll, rent, mortgage interest and utilities that are paid for with PPP funds cant be deducted when the business owner calculates his/her taxes at the end of the year. Since the forgiven PPP loan amount and the amount of lost deductions are the same, the effect is to make the forgiven loan taxable. Also supported enhancements to Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) to make it easier for businesses to take advantage of the tax credit. Supported HR 6776, the JOBS Credit Act of 2020, which would expand the credit percentage from 50 percent to 80 percent of qualified wages.

Supported the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act, S. 3917, which would expand telemental health services in rural areas. The bill, S. 3917, would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in coordination with the Rural Health Liaison of the Department of Agriculture to award grants for home-based telemental health care demonstrations. This new program would increase mental health services in rural medically underserved populations and for individuals in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The bill would authorize up to $10 million for each of fiscal year 2020 to 2024 of funds currently available to the Secretary of HHS. HHS would submit a report to Congress during the third and fifth year on the impact and quality of care of home-based telemental health care services. Telemental health is the delivery of mental health services using remote technologies when the patient and provider are separated by distance. This service has the potential to alleviate the lack of mental health services in rural areas and allow rural residents to connect with the mental health professional from the comfort of their home. The recent pandemic, challenging weather, trade disputes, labor shortages and market volatility over the past few years have brought an unprecedented level of pressure on Americas farmers. H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Health Care: The bill provides $100 billion for hospitals and for COVID testing. A summary of the health care provisions is attached. *$75 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue. *$25 billion to expand capacity for COVID-19 tests. *$600 million of funding is earmarked for Community Health Centers and $225 million for rural health clinics. Supported legislation to allow the Farm Credit System to make loans for health care and other infrastructure projects in rural America. Access to health care in rural America is on the decline at the same time that the current health care crisis is accelerating the need for more and better-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. According to the National Rural Health Association, 121 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, and in 2019 the U.S. experienced more rural hospital closures than in any other year in the past decade. Expanding the Farm Credit Systems authority help build, upgrade and expand rural facilities will improve health care access and medical services for farmers and their neighbors and strengthen the communities where they live and work.

Supported S. 3918, the Paycheck Protection for Producers Act and companion bill, H.R. 7175. This bill addresses one of the major hurdles for sole proprietors who file a Schedule F by allowing farmers and ranchers to use their 2019 Schedule F gross income (up to $100,000) when calculating their PPP loan rather than 2019 net income. The bill would also allow farmers and ranchers who received a PPP loan using their 2019 net income to recalculate their loan award using 2019 gross income if it would result in a larger loan amount. Supported both the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Emergency Industry Disaster Loan (EIDL). Worked to ensure that there was a small lender set aside and H2A employees for eligible to be counted when making application for PPP. Also, worked to ensure that all types of agriculture businesses were eligible for EIDL grants/loans, specifically with regard to those who are self employed and sole proprietors. Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Extends eligibility to agricultural enterprises, as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)) and have 500 or fewer employees to participate in the EIDL. The definition mentioned above is: (b) As used in this Act, the term agricultural enterprises means those small business concerns engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural-related industries. Provides $60 billion for the EIDL program. Paycheck Protection Program: Provides $320 billion for the PPP. While AFBF supports this funding, we are asking Congress to include the corrections that AFBF shared to improve the programs assistance for agricultural producers and support eligibility for tax-exempt agricultural organizations that assist farmers and ranchers in the next round of legislation. Small Lender Set-Aside: The bill creates a $60 billion set-aside for Insured Depository Institutions, Credit Unions, and Community Financial Institutions for the PPP. However, the set-aside does not include the Farm Credit System.

Supported a Senate Amendment SA 1966 to the NDAA, S. 4049. SA 1966, would incorporate the Seeding Rural Resilience Act, legislation that would help farmers respond to stress and decrease the stigma associated with mental health care in rural communities. The pandemic, challenging weather, destructive pests, trade disputes, labor shortages and market volatility over the past few years have brought an unprecedented level of pressure on Americas farmers and ranchers. The bill would create three initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness: *Implement a Farmer-Facing Employee Training Program that requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide voluntary stress management training to Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, and National Resources Conservation Service Employees. *Form a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and USDA to create a $3 million PSA to increase public awareness of farm and ranch stress and destigmatize mental health care in rural communities. *Direct the Secretary of Agriculture to work with state, local, and non-governmental stakeholders to collaborate and determine best practices for responding to farm and ranch mental stress.

Advocate for S. 4117 and H.R. 7777, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Forgiveness Act, which would forgive PPP loans of less than $150,000 upon the borrowers completion of a simple, one-page forgiveness document. Simplifying the loan forgiveness process would alleviate hours of paperwork for borrowers. A variation of this act has been included in the Senate and House proposed COVID bills.

Supported tax provisions in HR 1865, Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, including: HEALTH INSURANCE TAX (HIT): The legislation permanently repeals the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) that was levied on health insurance companies but was passed along to individuals who purchase their own insurance. Explanation: The Health Insurance Tax (HIT), enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, was a tax levied on health insurance companies but was directly passed on to individuals and small businesses like farmers and ranchers who purchase their own insurance. The HIT was expected to collectively add an estimated $16 billion to the cost of coverage for individuals, small businesses, families and Medicare Advantage seniors in 2020, an average $500 in added health insurance premiums per family. BIODIESEL AND RENEWABLE BIODIESEL: The legislation retroactively reinstates and extends tax incentives for biodiesel and renewable biodiesel through December 31, 2022 and tax credits for second generation biofuels through 2020. Explanation: Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning renewable replacement for petroleum diesel fuel. It is manufactured primarily from vegetable oils (soybean, corn, sunflower seed, cotton seeds, canola, etc.), animal fats and recycled cooking oils. Second-generation biofuel comes from cellulosic biomass, for example woody crops and agricultural residues or waste. Biodiesel and biofuel production not only help farmers and ranchers by expanding markets for their products, but in many rural areas of the country, biodiesel and biofuel production facilities are a driving force in local economies that provide employment and broaden the local tax base. In addition, all citizens, including farmers who are large fuel consumers, benefit when our nation reduces its dependence on international oil markets. The biodiesel tax credits expired at the end of 2017. The legislation also extends the tax credit for alternative refueling property through 2020. The credit previously expired in 2017. In addition to mixtures of biodiesel, diesel and kerosene with 20 percent or more volume derived from a biodiesel fuel, Fuels consisting of 85 percent or more of natural gas, liquefied or compressed natural gas, propane, hydrogen or ethanol are considered alternative fuels.. SHORT LINE RAILROADS: The legislation retroactively restores and extends the 50 percent tax credit for short line railroad maintenance through December 31, 2022. Explanation: Short line railroads are first-and-last mile carriers that connect small towns, farms and factories to the national rail network, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in thousands of local communities. Short line railroads operate nearly 29 percent of the national railroad network. The 50 percent short line rail tax credit was first enacted in 2005 to encourage infrastructure repairs and upgrades by regional and short-line railroads and expired at the end of 2017. COOPERATIVES: The legislation allows rural electric cooperatives to maintain their tax-exempt status when they receive grants for such things as expanding broadband or restoring power after storms and disaster. Explanation: Most electric cooperatives are tax-exempt organizations. In order to keep their tax-exempt status at least 85 percent of their income must come from cooperative members. An unintended consequence of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was the re-categorization of revenue from government grants as income making it harder for electric cooperatives to meet the 85 percent test. The legislation restores the traditional classification of grant revenue as a capital contribution. UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAXES: The legislation repeals a 21-percent unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on tax-exempt employers that provide certain fringe benefits to employees. Explanation: The TCJA levied a new 21-percent unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on tax-exempt organizations that provide certain fringe benefits to employees. The TCJA required tax-exempt organizations to self-value these benefits and to implement a burdensome administrative process to properly file taxes. This was the first time a UBIT was applied to an expenditure, not on income received. CRAFT BEVERAGES: The legislation extends the Craft Beverage Moderation Act for one year, until December 31, 2020. Explanation: The TCJA included a two-year provision which lowered federal excise taxes for small breweries, wineries and distilled spirits producers. Craft breweries and distilleries can foster rural economic development and create much needed jobs as well as provide additional markets for agricultural products. WIND ENERGY: The legislation extends the wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) through December 2020 and raises the value of the PTC to 1.5 cents/kilowatt hour.

HIT TAX Two bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Senate to provide farmers and ranchers with relief from the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax). S. 80 would repeal the HIT Tax. S. 172 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. S. 80, the Jobs and Premiums Protections Act, would repeal the HIT Tax. The bill was introduced by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). S. 172, the Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. The bill was introduced by Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.). Most farmers and ranchers and other small businesses cannot self-insure because they do not have a large enough pool of employees. Instead, they purchase health insurance for themselves, their families and their employees on the fully insured market. The Health Insurance Tax (HIT), enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, is levied on health insurance companies who operate in the fully insured marketplace and is directly passed on to individuals and small businesses who purchase their own insurance. There is moratorium on the collection of the HIT Tax during 2019 but the HIT will collectively add an estimated $16 billion to the cost of coverage for individuals, small businesses, families and Medicare Advantage seniors in 2020. This works out to an average $500 in added health insurance premiums per family. Sen. John Thune has introduced S. 215, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2019, to repeal the estate tax. The bill has 28 original cosponsors. It is a companion to H.R. 218 introduced in the House by Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.). Both bills retain stepped-up basis. Farm Bureaus letter of support and updated fact sheet are attached. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in 2017, temporarily doubles the estate tax exemption to $11 million per person through 2025. In addition, the legislation preserves stepped-up basis and continues to allow the transfer of any unused exemption to a surviving spouse. Without Congressional action, the estate exemption will revert to $5.5 million per person in 2026. The new $11 million per person exemption level will protect the vast majority of our nations farm and ranches from the devastating consequences of estate taxes, but a potential return to a $5.5 million per person exemption in 2026 is troublesome. Instead of spending money to upgrade buildings, purchase equipment and further invest in livestock herds, farmers and ranchers will have to continue to divert resources to pay for estate planning and life insurance. Farm Bureau supports making the $11 million estate exemption permanent until estate taxes can be repealed.

On May 2, Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Greg Pence (R-IN) introduced H.R. 2460, the bipartisan Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act. The legislation would reform the Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations and would delay enforcement of the ELD rule until reforms are proposed by the Secretary of Transportation. This legislation would require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a working group within 120 days of enactment charged with: Identifying obstacles to the safe, humane, and market-efficient transport of livestock, insects, and other perishable agricultural commodities and Developing guidelines and recommending regulatory or legislative action to improve the transportation of these commodities. The bill designates various stakeholders that the working group would need to consult and ensures it will consider certain issues, including: The impact of existing HOS rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs); Incompatibilities and other challenges and concerns caused by the HOS rules and ELD rule provisions; Initiatives and regulatory changes that maintain and protect highway safety and allow for the safe, efficient, and productive marketplace transport of livestock, insects, and perishable agricultural commodities; and Other related issues that the Secretary considers appropriate. The working group shall be composed of a cross section of the transportation and agricultural communities, at the Secretarys discretion, but include, the Department of Agriculture, individuals with knowledge and expertise that includes highway safety, the commercial motor vehicle and transportation industries, animal husbandry, and the transportation of livestock, insects, and agricultural commodities. Within one year after it is established, the working group is to submit a report to the Secretary that includes its findings as well as initiatives and regulatory and legislative changes that the working group identifies as necessary to protect highway safety and allow for the safe, efficient, and productive marketplace transport of the named commodities. Required Regulatory Rulemaking: Within 120 days of receiving the working groups report, the Secretary is to propose regulatory changes, taking into account the findings and recommendations of the working group. These regulatory changes shall include: Changes to the HOS regulations, and Changes to the ELD regulations. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Delay: The bill would suspend the provisions of the ELD mandate as it would apply to commercial motor vehicles (CMV) hauling livestock, insects, or perishable agricultural commodities until the date on which the Secretary proposes regulatory changes. On Feb. 28, Sens. Hoeven (R-ND) and Bennet (D-CO) introduced S. 600, the Senate version of the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act.

Supported H.R. 4229 (and S.1822) the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. The legislation will improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout. H.R. 4229, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. This bipartisan bill would improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout.

Supported H.R. 4919, The Responsible & Efficient Agriculture Destination (TREAD) Act. R. 4919 would make it possible for drivers hauling live animals and agricultural commodities to finish their routes if they are within 150 air miles of their destination. The bill also covers haulers transporting perishable commodities. Hours of Service Rulemaking First adopted in 1937, FMCSAs hours of service rules specify the permitted operating hours of commercial drivers. In 2018, FMCSA released an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to receive public comment on portions of the HOS rules. FMCSAs proposed rule on hours of service offers five revisions to the existing HOS rules: The Agency proposes to increase safety and flexibility for the 30-minute break rule by tying the break requirement to eight hours of driving time without interruption for at least 30 minutes and allowing the break to be satisfied by a driver using on duty, not driving status, rather than off duty. (Livestock Haulers are exempt from the 30-minute rest break requirement.) The Agency proposes to modify the sleeper-berth exception to allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods: one period of at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and the other period of not less than two consecutive hours, either off duty or in the sleeper berth. Neither period would count against the drivers 14-hour driving window. The Agency proposes to allow one off-duty break of at least 30 minutes, but not more than three hours, that would pause a truck drivers 14-hour driving window, provided the driver takes 10 consecutive hours off-duty at the end of the work shift. The Agency proposes to modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted. The Agency proposes a change to the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers by lengthening the drivers maximum onâ€'duty period from 12 to 14 hours and extending the distance limit within which the driver may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles. Agricultural Commodity Definitions Rulemaking Currently, during harvesting and planting seasons as determined by each state, drivers transporting agricultural commodities, including livestock, are exempt from the HOS requirements from the source of the commodities to a location within a 150-air-mile radius from the source. The advanced rule (ANPRM) by FMCSA was prompted by indications that the current definition of these terms may not be understood or enforced consistently when determining whether the HOS exemption applies.

JOINT EMPLOYER RULEMAKING Monitored DOL rule regarding joint employment as it relates to FLSA, not under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). However, the final rule does limit circumstances in which a farm employer would be considered a joint employer by limiting the determination to four key areas including, if the employer: Hires or fires the employee; Supervises and controls the employees schedule or employment conditions to a substantial degree; Determines the employees rate and method of payment; or Maintains the employees employment records. IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal. Policy Progress H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected. We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues. AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture. Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July. Whats Next? Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July. Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms. Continue conversations in the Senate. Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act

GUEST WORKER LEGISLATION Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal. Policy Progress H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected. We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues. AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture. Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July. Whats Next? Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July. Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms. Continue conversations in the Senate. Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act H2A Supported congressional effort asking DOL for a one-year delay in the Departments new interpretation of the definition of agriculture as it relates to H-2A applications for agricultural truck drivers provided to farmers by farm labor contractors. Many fruit and vegetable, sugarcane, and cotton producers have contracted with H-2A farm labor contractors for years to navigate through the complex H-2A application process to source workers for unfilled seasonal job positions. Recently, some applications sent in from companies contracted by farmers for H-2A agricultural truck drivers have been denied. These drivers are responsible for transporting perishable commodities from the field to the packing or processing facility. In these instances, the Department of Labor said the work described did not fall under the agricultural labor or services required for eligibility in the H-2A program. These denials indicate a change in DOLs interpretation of the program; that interpretation apparently has taken place without warning, and now many farmers do not have enough time to make other labor arrangements.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal. Policy Progress H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected. We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues. AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture. Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July. Whats Next? Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July. Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms. Continue conversations in the Senate. Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act LABOR - MISMATCH LETTERS The Social Security Administration has resumed the practice of sending out Educational Correspondence/Employer Correction Request letters, better known as no-match letters. These letters inform employers that SSA could not match a name or SSN with records on one or more of their employees W-2 Forms. The impact of these letters could cause uncertainty for the agricultural employers and their workforce.

HIT TAX Two bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Senate to provide farmers and ranchers with relief from the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax). S. 80 would repeal the HIT Tax. S. 172 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. S. 80, the Jobs and Premiums Protections Act, would repeal the HIT Tax. The bill was introduced by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). S. 172, the Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. The bill was introduced by Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.). Most farmers and ranchers and other small businesses cannot self-insure because they do not have a large enough pool of employees. Instead, they purchase health insurance for themselves, their families and their employees on the fully insured market. The Health Insurance Tax (HIT), enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, is levied on health insurance companies who operate in the fully insured marketplace and is directly passed on to individuals and small businesses who purchase their own insurance. There is moratorium on the collection of the HIT Tax during 2019 but the HIT will collectively add an estimated $16 billion to the cost of coverage for individuals, small businesses, families and Medicare Advantage seniors in 2020. This works out to an average $500 in added health insurance premiums per family. Sen. John Thune has introduced S. 215, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2019, to repeal the estate tax. The bill has 28 original cosponsors. It is a companion to H.R. 218 introduced in the House by Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.). Both bills retain stepped-up basis. Farm Bureaus letter of support and updated fact sheet are attached. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in 2017, temporarily doubles the estate tax exemption to $11 million per person through 2025. In addition, the legislation preserves stepped-up basis and continues to allow the transfer of any unused exemption to a surviving spouse. Without Congressional action, the estate exemption will revert to $5.5 million per person in 2026. The new $11 million per person exemption level will protect the vast majority of our nations farm and ranches from the devastating consequences of estate taxes, but a potential return to a $5.5 million per person exemption in 2026 is troublesome. Instead of spending money to upgrade buildings, purchase equipment and further invest in livestock herds, farmers and ranchers will have to continue to divert resources to pay for estate planning and life insurance. Farm Bureau supports making the $11 million estate exemption permanent until estate taxes can be repealed.

Supported H.R. 4229 (and S.1822) the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. The legislation will improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout. H.R. 4229, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. This bipartisan bill would improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout.

HIT TAX Two bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Senate to provide farmers and ranchers with relief from the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax). S. 80 would repeal the HIT Tax. S. 172 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. S. 80, the Jobs and Premiums Protections Act, would repeal the HIT Tax. The bill was introduced by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). S. 172, the Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. The bill was introduced by Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.). Most farmers and ranchers and other small businesses cannot self-insure because they do not have a large enough pool of employees. Instead, they purchase health insurance for themselves, their families and their employees on the fully insured market. The Health Insurance Tax (HIT), enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, is levied on health insurance companies who operate in the fully insured marketplace and is directly passed on to individuals and small businesses who purchase their own insurance. There is moratorium on the collection of the HIT Tax during 2019 but the HIT will collectively add an estimated $16 billion to the cost of coverage for individuals, small businesses, families and Medicare Advantage seniors in 2020. This works out to an average $500 in added health insurance premiums per family. Sen. John Thune has introduced S. 215, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2019, to repeal the estate tax. The bill has 28 original cosponsors. It is a companion to H.R. 218 introduced in the House by Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.). Both bills retain stepped-up basis. Farm Bureaus letter of support and updated fact sheet are attached. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in 2017, temporarily doubles the estate tax exemption to $11 million per person through 2025. In addition, the legislation preserves stepped-up basis and continues to allow the transfer of any unused exemption to a surviving spouse. Without Congressional action, the estate exemption will revert to $5.5 million per person in 2026. The new $11 million per person exemption level will protect the vast majority of our nations farm and ranches from the devastating consequences of estate taxes, but a potential return to a $5.5 million per person exemption in 2026 is troublesome. Instead of spending money to upgrade buildings, purchase equipment and further invest in livestock herds, farmers and ranchers will have to continue to divert resources to pay for estate planning and life insurance. Farm Bureau supports making the $11 million estate exemption permanent until estate taxes can be repealed.

On May 2, Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Greg Pence (R-IN) introduced H.R. 2460, the bipartisan Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act. The legislation would reform the Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations and would delay enforcement of the ELD rule until reforms are proposed by the Secretary of Transportation. This legislation would require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a working group within 120 days of enactment charged with: Identifying obstacles to the safe, humane, and market-efficient transport of livestock, insects, and other perishable agricultural commodities and Developing guidelines and recommending regulatory or legislative action to improve the transportation of these commodities. The bill designates various stakeholders that the working group would need to consult and ensures it will consider certain issues, including: The impact of existing HOS rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs); Incompatibilities and other challenges and concerns caused by the HOS rules and ELD rule provisions; Initiatives and regulatory changes that maintain and protect highway safety and allow for the safe, efficient, and productive marketplace transport of livestock, insects, and perishable agricultural commodities; and Other related issues that the Secretary considers appropriate. The working group shall be composed of a cross section of the transportation and agricultural communities, at the Secretarys discretion, but include, the Department of Agriculture, individuals with knowledge and expertise that includes highway safety, the commercial motor vehicle and transportation industries, animal husbandry, and the transportation of livestock, insects, and agricultural commodities. Within one year after it is established, the working group is to submit a report to the Secretary that includes its findings as well as initiatives and regulatory and legislative changes that the working group identifies as necessary to protect highway safety and allow for the safe, efficient, and productive marketplace transport of the named commodities. Required Regulatory Rulemaking: Within 120 days of receiving the working groups report, the Secretary is to propose regulatory changes, taking into account the findings and recommendations of the working group. These regulatory changes shall include: Changes to the HOS regulations, and Changes to the ELD regulations. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Delay: The bill would suspend the provisions of the ELD mandate as it would apply to commercial motor vehicles (CMV) hauling livestock, insects, or perishable agricultural commodities until the date on which the Secretary proposes regulatory changes. On Feb. 28, Sens. Hoeven (R-ND) and Bennet (D-CO) introduced S. 600, the Senate version of the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act.

HIT TAX Two bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Senate to provide farmers and ranchers with relief from the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax). S. 80 would repeal the HIT Tax. S. 172 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. S. 80, the Jobs and Premiums Protections Act, would repeal the HIT Tax. The bill was introduced by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). S. 172, the Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 would suspend the HIT Tax for 2020 and 2021. The bill was introduced by Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.). Most farmers and ranchers and other small businesses cannot self-insure because they do not have a large enough pool of employees. Instead, they purchase health insurance for themselves, their families and their employees on the fully insured market. The Health Insurance Tax (HIT), enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, is levied on health insurance companies who operate in the fully insured marketplace and is directly passed on to individuals and small businesses who purchase their own insurance. There is moratorium on the collection of the HIT Tax during 2019 but the HIT will collectively add an estimated $16 billion to the cost of coverage for individuals, small businesses, families and Medicare Advantage seniors in 2020. This works out to an average $500 in added health insurance premiums per family. Sen. John Thune has introduced S. 215, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2019, to repeal the estate tax. The bill has 28 original cosponsors. It is a companion to H.R. 218 introduced in the House by Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.). Both bills retain stepped-up basis. Farm Bureaus letter of support and updated fact sheet are attached. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in 2017, temporarily doubles the estate tax exemption to $11 million per person through 2025. In addition, the legislation preserves stepped-up basis and continues to allow the transfer of any unused exemption to a surviving spouse. Without Congressional action, the estate exemption will revert to $5.5 million per person in 2026. The new $11 million per person exemption level will protect the vast majority of our nations farm and ranches from the devastating consequences of estate taxes, but a potential return to a $5.5 million per person exemption in 2026 is troublesome. Instead of spending money to upgrade buildings, purchase equipment and further invest in livestock herds, farmers and ranchers will have to continue to divert resources to pay for estate planning and life insurance. Farm Bureau supports making the $11 million estate exemption permanent until estate taxes can be repealed.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal. Policy Progress H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected. We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues. AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture. Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July. Whats Next? Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July. Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms. Continue conversations in the Senate. Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act LABOR - MISMATCH LETTERS The Social Security Administration has resumed the practice of sending out Educational Correspondence/Employer Correction Request letters, better known as no-match letters. These letters inform employers that SSA could not match a name or SSN with records on one or more of their employees W-2 Forms. The impact of these letters could cause uncertainty for the agricultural employers and their workforce.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal. Policy Progress H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected. We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues. AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture. Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July. Whats Next? Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July. Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms. Continue conversations in the Senate. Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act H2A Supported congressional effort asking DOL for a one-year delay in the Departments new interpretation of the definition of agriculture as it relates to H-2A applications for agricultural truck drivers provided to farmers by farm labor contractors. Many fruit and vegetable, sugarcane, and cotton producers have contracted with H-2A farm labor contractors for years to navigate through the complex H-2A application process to source workers for unfilled seasonal job positions. Recently, some applications sent in from companies contracted by farmers for H-2A agricultural truck drivers have been denied. These drivers are responsible for transporting perishable commodities from the field to the packing or processing facility. In these instances, the Department of Labor said the work described did not fall under the agricultural labor or services required for eligibility in the H-2A program. These denials indicate a change in DOLs interpretation of the program; that interpretation apparently has taken place without warning, and now many farmers do not have enough time to make other labor arrangements.

JOINT EMPLOYER RULEMAKING Monitored DOL rule regarding joint employment as it relates to FLSA, not under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). However, the final rule does limit circumstances in which a farm employer would be considered a joint employer by limiting the determination to four key areas including, if the employer: Hires or fires the employee; Supervises and controls the employees schedule or employment conditions to a substantial degree; Determines the employees rate and method of payment; or Maintains the employees employment records. IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal. Policy Progress H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected. We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues. AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture. Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July. Whats Next? Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July. Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms. Continue conversations in the Senate. Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act

Closely monitored farm bill activity, specifically the release of HR 2. OFB priorities included protecting current farm bill spending, maintaining unified farm bill that keeps traditional farm programs and the nutrition title together, prioritize top funding priorities, which includes risk management tools like crop insurance, commodity programs and conservation measures. HR 2 would increase direct spending by $3.2 billion over a five years period and another $2.7 billion over the next consecutive five years. OFB supports all legislation to expand opportunities for farmers to grow commercial hemp including S. 2667, the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. The US is the only major industrialized country that prohibits the cultivation of industrial hemp. Oregon is well suited to grow hemp based on climate, soil and when compared to success of sister plants like hops and cannabis.

Monitored HR 3400, the Recreation Not Red Tape Act. OFB very concerned regarding Section 304 which would create a National Recreation Area System, provide for future congressional land use designations to the NRAS and encourage federal land management agencies to manage certain federal lands specifically for outdoor recreations uses. Other aspects of HR 3400 are that it recognizes livestock grazing, but would only permit grazing NRAS if the permit were established before the date of the bill's enactment. Also continued to monitor DOI's efforts to undo efforts under the Antiquities Act in previous Administration.

H.R. 3956, the STARS Act of 2017 - Legislation provides much needed clarity around the Patient Protection Affordable Care Acts (ACAs) definition and treatment of seasonal workers. Seasonal small businesses continue to struggle with determining their employer size and employer shared responsibility requirements due to the laws varying definitions of seasonal. When complying with the ACA, it is possible for the same worker to be a seasonal worker for the purpose of determining employer size, but not be considered a seasonal employee under an employers shared responsibility obligations. These various definitions create confusion for seasonal small businesses that struggle to comply with the law. The STARS Act adopts the Treasury Departments definition of seasonal employment while simplifying and aligning the seasonal provisions of the ACA to better enable employer compliance. This targeted approach provides seasonal employers with the clarity needed to assess their obligations under the ACA. Specifically, the STARS Act: â--� Aligns the separate definitions of seasonal found in statute and in the final regulation to the Treasury Departments preferred definition from the final regulation on IRC 4980H (six months or less, customary, annual, recurring) â--� Simplifies the determination of Applicable Large Employer size and the determination of a seasonal employees full-time status for the purposes of the ACAs Employer Shared Responsibility provisions. Supports legislation, S. 1978, the Small Business and Family Health Tax Relief Act of 2017, to delay the annual fee on health insurance providers that was enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The bill addresses one of the major concerns that farmers and ranchers have related to health insurance - cost. The health insurance tax (HIT) has increased health insurance costs for farmers, ranchers and other small businesses by imposing a levy on the net premiums of health insurance companies, which is passed on to consumers. Providing an additional two years of relief from the HIT is a welcome and critical step toward the certainty of a full repeal.

Chairman Goodlatte has worked tirelessly as House Judiciary Chair to bring a viable guest worker program for agriculture that is beneficial and balances with the political climate. In short, easier said than done. There was hope earlier in the summer that the bill would be taken up on the House floor prior to August. That did not happen. The hope now is fall, potentially after the elections. Last October, the House Judiciary Committee reported HR 4092, the AG Act. That measure established a new H-2C guest worker program for agriculture. Many of the elements of that program represented significant improvements over the current H-2A program. They included granting USDA a principal role in administering the program, broadening the program to all of agriculture (including dairy), setting a wage floor that is closer to market conditions, establishing an at-will program, reducing recruitment obligations on employers, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and eliminating expensive provisions that make H-2A unattractive. Despite these improvements, however, the bill did present significant challenges; they included the visa cap, how our current workers would be treated, a health insurance mandate on workers, and a touchback provision that left in doubt how many workers would actually come forward to participate in the new program. Over the summer, Chairman Goodlatte agreed to modify the bill. These modifications are critical to the legislation. They include: o a 3-year visa ostrengthening the at-will program oproviding advance parole to streamline the touchback provision opermitting flexibility in the visa cap in the first two years should it be reached olengthening the transition from the H-2A program omodifying the health insurance requirement The legislation isnt perfect, but support for the bill is a starting point to get it to the floor and improve it when it gets to the Senate. Improvement is focused on what to do with current workers and possibly strengthen provisions that will allow current workers the opportunity to gain permanent legal status. What is certain is that if the House fails to pass legislation, the issue will be dead - not just for this Congress but possibly for years. The last viable piece of immigration reform dates back to the summer of 2010. The labor shortage in agriculture is acute and only getting worse. While the AG Act may fall short in some respects, it has enough positive elements to provide a sound foundation on which we can build in the Senate and we urge all members to vote in favor of the legislation.

Continued to study the pros/cons the SAF Act (H.R. 4760). Changes are actively being sought in the legislation so that it addresses the concerns of Farm Bureau members across the country. While the U.S. agricultural sector transitions to the new H-2C program established in the bill, it is critical to enact a transition program that provides stability for our existing workforce. At this point, the SAF Act contains no provisions for an effective transition. The SAF Act contains other provisions that could ultimately be harmful to agriculture. For instance, the SAF Act: *Imposes an arbitrary cap of 450,000 on the number of H-2C visas. Such a restraint could have the potential effect of limiting growers ability to expand their operations and allowing U.S. agriculture to thrive in the future. *Imposes a health mandate on agricultural visa holders. The market for such health care policies is limited and their cost to workers potentially expensive. If visa holders cannot obtain coverage, they could be ineligible for employment, potentially limiting the number of workers available for agriculture. *Contains provisions for employees to engage in at-will employment (i.e., allowing portability for workers who wish to transition from one job to another). Farm Bureau supports a strong at-will program but the provisions in the bill need to be strengthened if they are to work as envisioned. *The SAF Act establishes an H-2C program for agricultural workers. This program has many positive elements and represents a significant improvement over the existing H-2A program. We support many of the elements of the H-2C program in the bill

H.R. 3956, the STARS Act of 2017 - Legislation provides much needed clarity around the Patient Protection Affordable Care Acts (ACAs) definition and treatment of seasonal workers. Seasonal small businesses continue to struggle with determining their employer size and employer shared responsibility requirements due to the laws varying definitions of seasonal. When complying with the ACA, it is possible for the same worker to be a seasonal worker for the purpose of determining employer size, but not be considered a seasonal employee under an employers shared responsibility obligations. These various definitions create confusion for seasonal small businesses that struggle to comply with the law. The STARS Act adopts the Treasury Departments definition of seasonal employment while simplifying and aligning the seasonal provisions of the ACA to better enable employer compliance. This targeted approach provides seasonal employers with the clarity needed to assess their obligations under the ACA. Specifically, the STARS Act: â--� Aligns the separate definitions of seasonal found in statute and in the final regulation to the Treasury Departments preferred definition from the final regulation on IRC 4980H (six months or less, customary, annual, recurring) â--� Simplifies the determination of Applicable Large Employer size and the determination of a seasonal employees full-time status for the purposes of the ACAs Employer Shared Responsibility provisions. Supports legislation, S. 1978, the Small Business and Family Health Tax Relief Act of 2017, to delay the annual fee on health insurance providers that was enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The bill addresses one of the major concerns that farmers and ranchers have related to health insurance - cost. The health insurance tax (HIT) has increased health insurance costs for farmers, ranchers and other small businesses by imposing a levy on the net premiums of health insurance companies, which is passed on to consumers. Providing an additional two years of relief from the HIT is a welcome and critical step toward the certainty of a full repeal.

Closely monitored farm bill activity, specifically the release of HR 2. OFB priorities included protecting current farm bill spending, maintaining unified farm bill that keeps traditional farm programs and the nutrition title together, prioritize top funding priorities, which includes risk management tools like crop insurance, commodity programs and conservation measures. HR 2 would increase direct spending by $3.2 billion over a five years period and another $2.7 billion over the next consecutive five years. OFB supports all legislation to expand opportunities for farmers to grow commercial hemp including S. 2667, the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. The US is the only major industrialized country that prohibits the cultivation of industrial hemp. Oregon is well suited to grow hemp based on climate, soil and when compared to success of sister plants like hops and cannabis.

OFB continues to monitor and support pass of the 2018 farm bill. Specific monitored areas include conservation title, SNAP program and trade titles, hemp language and vaccine bank. Vaccine bank would acquire vaccine and veterinary countermeasures needed to respond to devastating animal disease outbreaks S. 2667 designed to remove hemps designation as a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency due to its botanical relationship and appearance to its cannabis. They both establish THC limits of 0.3%, the same threshold used in the pilot program outlined in the 2014 farm bill, the statute Oregon farmers are using to grow hemp. The market is vast and includes ingredients derived from industrial hemp in foods and beverages, cosmetics and personal care products, nutritional supplements, fabrics and textiles, paper, construction and insulation materials, supercapacitor batteries and automotive products.

Monitored WRDA bills in both House and Senate, specifically ensuring that the ACOE proposal regarding the Willamette Reallocation project was not included. The proposal by ACOE and NMFS leaves Oregon agriculture in peril with regard to water supply in perpetuity. T Overall, OFB supports S. 3021 is a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that provides improvements to the nations ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure. In addition to the Water Resources Development Act in Title I, the bill also contains provisions for drinking water system improvement, hydropower development and stormwater/wastewater infrastructure improvements. Agriculture depends on efficient ports and inland waterway infrastructure. Farm Bureau supports enacting into law a WRDA bill every two years. Willamette Reallocation Specifics BACKGROUND The Corps constructed a series of thirteen federal reservoirs in the middle and upper Willamette Basin beginning in the 1930s. Currently, the water is stored under Bureau of Reclamation water use rights that authorize storage for irrigation. The Corps proposal in their Tentative Selected Plan (TSP) would reallocate 962,800 acre-feet of water to fish and wildlife, leaving one of Oregons most economical and viable industries, agriculture, in jeopardy. CONCERN Concern regarding the Willamette Basin Review Feasibility Study (Study) and the recent recommendations for reallocation of stored water, up to 1.64 million acre-feet, the last remaining allocated water in the Willamette Valley (Valley), in the 13 reservoirs comprising the Willamette Valley Project (WVP). In November 2017, the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) published the Study and Environmental Assessment. Despite countless meetings with congressional office, NMFS (Portland), NMFS (DC) and the Corps, industry has been unable to get clear answer or commitments as each agency seem to be pointing fingers at the others. At the suggestion of Oregon Farm Bureau, Congressmen Schrader and DeFazio are convening all parties to the table on September 17 to try and get at answers of sharing the pain in low water years and an appropriate AI allocation to start. ECONOMIC IMPACT The Valley is the most populated area of the state and is also home to the most diversified and intensively farmed agricultural regions. Approximately 70 percent of Oregons population is located in the Willamette Basin and approximately 85 percent of that population in the Willamette Basin is supported by public water systems. The ability of the water providers to meet the projected long-term water supply requirements of the Willamette Valleys agricultural operations and communities is critical to the economic viability of our state. The Willamette Valley is home to more than 18,000 farms spanning 1.7 million acres with a market value of more than $2.2 billion. Oregon is number one in the production of nine commodities nationwide. Nursery products raised in the Valley decorate landscapes all along the eastern seaboard. Grass seed, grown in the heart of the Valley is featured on some of the most prominent golf courses and the National Mall. In addition, the Willamette Valley was also recognized as the Wine Region of the Year. Much of Oregon's population is concentrated in the Willamette Valley from Eugene to the south through Corvallis, Salem and Portland. Other major cities include Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton and Springfield. These and other urban and suburban centers are only expected to grow. Population growth estimates for Oregon show an increase for decades to come. In 2016 the population grew 1.56% (62,505 people) and in 2017 that number increased by 1.59% (64,750). Estimates for 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050 are 4,252,100, 4,768,000, 5,203,000 and 5,588,500, respectively. CORPS ACTION The Corps reallocation proposal in the TSP was woefully inadequate and underestimates sound population growth estimates and the importance of Oregons natural resource industry. The following includes the proposed allocation that was recommended in the Corps Tentatively Selected Plan, and the allocations proposed by the water users. USACEs Proposed Allocations UseVolume (AF)Percent F&W962,80061% M&I73,3005% AI253,95016% Joint Use299,95019% Allocations Proposed by Water Users UseVolume (AF)Percent F&W962,80061% M&I159,75010% AI450,00028% Joint Use17,4501% The water users held meetings with each of Oregons congressional offices, the Governors office, Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), and the Corps expressing these concerns and recommending the approach illustrated above to reallocation the joint use pool to agriculture and municipal uses. OWRD and the Corps have recently notified the water users that they will consider reallocation of the joint use pool as described below. Allocations Recommended by the State of Oregon UseVolume (AF)Percent F&W1,102,60069% M&I159,75010% AI327,65021% Joint Use0% CONCLUSION Although efforts were made to reallocate the joint use pool, it was not equitably allocated to meet agricultural needs in the basin. The Corps must reassess its recommended allocation that will have an impact in perpetuity. Municipalities & Industry and Agriculture Irrigation communities formally request the Corps adjust its recommendation to meet the needs of Oregon citizens and its economy by formally recommending an allocation no less than 159,000 acre-feet for M&I and 450,000 acre-feet for AI. In addition to this recommendation on the reallocation, the existing agricultural users that hold stored water contracts could be severely impaired and impacted by the application of new curtailment formulas and request those existing contracts be grandfathered in, and no curtailment be applied to those users that have already invested significant amounts in their infrastructure based on the certainty of those existing storage contracts. Lastly, one of the most crucial policy decisions will be how the storage contracts will be curtailment in years of water shortage and drought. Water users are dependent on these storage contracts to survive during those tough years. A proportionate reduction is the only equitable and fair methodology that can be applied to support fish and wildlife, Oregons citizens, and our critical industrial and agricultural economies.

Supportive of HR 2193, Remote Transactions Parity Act of 2017 and S 976, Marketplace Fairness Act o 2017. Both pieces of legislation promotes fair competition between local and mail street retailers and internet-only sellers by allowing states to apply sales tax law uniformly. Supportive of Executive Order 13789, Identifying and Reducing Tax Regulatory Burdens, to review all significant tax regulations issued by the Treasury Department on or after January 1, 2016. Supportive of Executive Order 13790, Promoting Agricultural and Rural Prosperity in America to promote the parser ion of family farms and other agribusiness operations as they are passed from one generation to the next including changes to the estate tax and the tax valuation of family or cooperatively held businesses. Supportive of HR 747, and S. 236 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 to modernize the tax code and streamline regulations for producers of craft beverages. Supportive of withdrawal of Treasure Department proposed regulations on Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes. Supportive of HR 2853 and S. 988, Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act, which incentivized investment in biogas systems to make biogas and nutrient recovery systems eligible for the 30% investment tax credit already in place for fuel cells, solar power, wind energy combined heat and power systems and geothermal projects. Supportive of maintaining the Section 199 deduction for domestic production activities income, a reduction in capital gains taxes, maintenance of cash accounting, maintenance of deductions for interest payments and maintenance of tax provisions for renewable energy and environmental mitigation as part of any tax reform plan.

Supportive of HR 2353, Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. this legislation would reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Equation Act. Career and technical education and post high school job training and returning are essential to the economic viability of rural communities. Urge Congress to reject Administration's budget proposal to eliminate funding for Impact Aid Federal Properties.

Monitored health care legislation as it relates to repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act. Monitored legislation introduced by Congressman Walden that would continue coverage of pre-existing conditions should the ACA be repealed. OFB did not led their support or opposition to any 2018 repeal efforts. Also, tracked repeal of the the HIT (tax), HR 246 which would repeat part of the ACA that levies a tax on insurance companies net premiums. Farmers and ranchers have two major concerns related to health insurance: cost and access. The Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax) increases health insurance costs for farmers and ranchers and other small businesses by taxing the net premiums of health insurance companies. The companies then pass this cost on to consumers who obtain their health insurance through the fully insured market.

Supportive of HR 2193, Remote Transactions Parity Act of 2017 and S 976, Marketplace Fairness Act o 2017. Both pieces of legislation promotes fair competition between local and mail street retailers and internet-only sellers by allowing states to apply sales tax law uniformly. Supportive of Executive Order 13789, Identifying and Reducing Tax Regulatory Burdens, to review all significant tax regulations issued by the Treasury Department on or after January 1, 2016. Supportive of Executive Order 13790, Promoting Agricultural and Rural Prosperity in America to promote the parser ion of family farms and other agribusiness operations as they are passed from one generation to the next including changes to the estate tax and the tax valuation of family or cooperatively held businesses. Supportive of HR 747, and S. 236 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 to modernize the tax code and streamline regulations for producers of craft beverages. Supportive of withdrawal of Treasure Department proposed regulations on Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes. Supportive of HR 2853 and S. 988, Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act, which incentivized investment in biogas systems to make biogas and nutrient recovery systems eligible for the 30% investment tax credit already in place for fuel cells, solar power, wind energy combined heat and power systems and geothermal projects. Supportive of maintaining the Section 199 deduction for domestic production activities income, a reduction in capital gains taxes, maintenance of cash accounting, maintenance of deductions for interest payments and maintenance of tax provisions for renewable energy and environmental mitigation as part of any tax reform plan.

H.R. 3956, the STARS Act of 2017 - Legislation provides much needed clarity around the Patient Protection Affordable Care Acts (ACAs) definition and treatment of seasonal workers. Seasonal small businesses continue to struggle with determining their employer size and employer shared responsibility requirements due to the laws varying definitions of seasonal. When complying with the ACA, it is possible for the same worker to be a seasonal worker for the purpose of determining employer size, but not be considered a seasonal employee under an employers shared responsibility obligations. These various definitions create confusion for seasonal small businesses that struggle to comply with the law. The STARS Act adopts the Treasury Departments definition of seasonal employment while simplifying and aligning the seasonal provisions of the ACA to better enable employer compliance. This targeted approach provides seasonal employers with the clarity needed to assess their obligations under the ACA. Specifically, the STARS Act: â--� Aligns the separate definitions of seasonal found in statute and in the final regulation to the Treasury Departments preferred definition from the final regulation on IRC 4980H (six months or less, customary, annual, recurring) â--� Simplifies the determination of Applicable Large Employer size and the determination of a seasonal employees full-time status for the purposes of the ACAs Employer Shared Responsibility provisions. Supports legislation, S. 1978, the Small Business and Family Health Tax Relief Act of 2017, to delay the annual fee on health insurance providers that was enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The bill addresses one of the major concerns that farmers and ranchers have related to health insurance - cost. The health insurance tax (HIT) has increased health insurance costs for farmers, ranchers and other small businesses by imposing a levy on the net premiums of health insurance companies, which is passed on to consumers. Providing an additional two years of relief from the HIT is a welcome and critical step toward the certainty of a full repeal.

Supported H.R. 4101, the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017. This legislation improves access to milk for school-aged children across the country, and it affirms that milk is a nutritious choice for children and families.

Supportive of HR 2193, Remote Transactions Parity Act of 2017 and S 976, Marketplace Fairness Act o 2017. Both pieces of legislation promotes fair competition between local and mail street retailers and internet-only sellers by allowing states to apply sales tax law uniformly. Supportive of Executive Order 13789, Identifying and Reducing Tax Regulatory Burdens, to review all significant tax regulations issued by the Treasury Department on or after January 1, 2016. Supportive of Executive Order 13790, Promoting Agricultural and Rural Prosperity in America to promote the parser ion of family farms and other agribusiness operations as they are passed from one generation to the next including changes to the estate tax and the tax valuation of family or cooperatively held businesses. Supportive of HR 747, and S. 236 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 to modernize the tax code and streamline regulations for producers of craft beverages. Supportive of withdrawal of Treasure Department proposed regulations on Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes. Supportive of HR 2853 and S. 988, Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act, which incentivized investment in biogas systems to make biogas and nutrient recovery systems eligible for the 30% investment tax credit already in place for fuel cells, solar power, wind energy combined heat and power systems and geothermal projects. Supportive of maintaining the Section 199 deduction for domestic production activities income, a reduction in capital gains taxes, maintenance of cash accounting, maintenance of deductions for interest payments and maintenance of tax provisions for renewable energy and environmental mitigation as part of any tax reform plan.

Supportive of Executive Order 13777 and commended EPA for its efforts implement Administration's directive, specifically the addresses the WOTUS regulation by the previous administration. Supportive of HR 953, Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. This legislation clarifies that lawful use of pesticides in or near navigable waters is not excessively covered under the Clean Water Act and FIFRA. HR 953 codifies EPA's longstanding interpretation of the law before the confusion by a 2008 court ruling which imposed an additional and unnecessary layer of regulation on pesticide applicators. Supportive of HR 806, Ozone Standards Implementation Act, which would provide for the reasonable implementation of the EPA's NAAQS for ozone by aligning the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards through a phased schedule that provides time to implement already planned controls.

Supportive of Executive Order 13777 and commended EPA for its efforts implement Administration's directive, specifically the addresses the WOTUS regulation by the previous administration. Supportive of HR 953, Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. This legislation clarifies that lawful use of pesticides in or near navigable waters is not excessively covered under the Clean Water Act and FIFRA. HR 953 codifies EPA's longstanding interpretation of the law before the confusion by a 2008 court ruling which imposed an additional and unnecessary layer of regulation on pesticide applicators. Supportive of HR 806, Ozone Standards Implementation Act, which would provide for the reasonable implementation of the EPA's NAAQS for ozone by aligning the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards through a phased schedule that provides time to implement already planned controls.

H.R. 3956, the STARS Act of 2017 - Legislation provides much needed clarity around the Patient Protection Affordable Care Acts (ACAs) definition and treatment of seasonal workers. Seasonal small businesses continue to struggle with determining their employer size and employer shared responsibility requirements due to the laws varying definitions of seasonal. When complying with the ACA, it is possible for the same worker to be a seasonal worker for the purpose of determining employer size, but not be considered a seasonal employee under an employers shared responsibility obligations. These various definitions create confusion for seasonal small businesses that struggle to comply with the law. The STARS Act adopts the Treasury Departments definition of seasonal employment while simplifying and aligning the seasonal provisions of the ACA to better enable employer compliance. This targeted approach provides seasonal employers with the clarity needed to assess their obligations under the ACA. Specifically, the STARS Act: â--� Aligns the separate definitions of seasonal found in statute and in the final regulation to the Treasury Departments preferred definition from the final regulation on IRC 4980H (six months or less, customary, annual, recurring) â--� Simplifies the determination of Applicable Large Employer size and the determination of a seasonal employees full-time status for the purposes of the ACAs Employer Shared Responsibility provisions. Supports legislation, S. 1978, the Small Business and Family Health Tax Relief Act of 2017, to delay the annual fee on health insurance providers that was enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The bill addresses one of the major concerns that farmers and ranchers have related to health insurance - cost. The health insurance tax (HIT) has increased health insurance costs for farmers, ranchers and other small businesses by imposing a levy on the net premiums of health insurance companies, which is passed on to consumers. Providing an additional two years of relief from the HIT is a welcome and critical step toward the certainty of a full repeal.

Supportive of HR 2193, Remote Transactions Parity Act of 2017 and S 976, Marketplace Fairness Act o 2017. Both pieces of legislation promotes fair competition between local and mail street retailers and internet-only sellers by allowing states to apply sales tax law uniformly. Supportive of Executive Order 13789, Identifying and Reducing Tax Regulatory Burdens, to review all significant tax regulations issued by the Treasury Department on or after January 1, 2016. Supportive of Executive Order 13790, Promoting Agricultural and Rural Prosperity in America to promote the parser ion of family farms and other agribusiness operations as they are passed from one generation to the next including changes to the estate tax and the tax valuation of family or cooperatively held businesses. Supportive of HR 747, and S. 236 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 to modernize the tax code and streamline regulations for producers of craft beverages. Supportive of withdrawal of Treasure Department proposed regulations on Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes. Supportive of HR 2853 and S. 988, Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act, which incentivized investment in biogas systems to make biogas and nutrient recovery systems eligible for the 30% investment tax credit already in place for fuel cells, solar power, wind energy combined heat and power systems and geothermal projects. Supportive of maintaining the Section 199 deduction for domestic production activities income, a reduction in capital gains taxes, maintenance of cash accounting, maintenance of deductions for interest payments and maintenance of tax provisions for renewable energy and environmental mitigation as part of any tax reform plan.

Supportive of S 951 Regulatory Accountability Act Supportive of S. 584 Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act which would strengthen the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 by giving farmers and ranchers a greater voice in the development of regulatory requirements that affect them. Filed regulatory comments and sought member comments regarding Secretary Zinke's National Monument Review

Supportive of S 951 Regulatory Accountability Act Supportive of S. 584 Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act which would strengthen the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 by giving farmers and ranchers a greater voice in the development of regulatory requirements that affect them. Filed regulatory comments and sought member comments regarding Secretary Zinke's National Monument Review

Supportive of HR 2193, Remote Transactions Parity Act of 2017 and S 976, Marketplace Fairness Act o 2017. Both pieces of legislation promotes fair competition between local and mail street retailers and internet-only sellers by allowing states to apply sales tax law uniformly. Supportive of Executive Order 13789, Identifying and Reducing Tax Regulatory Burdens, to review all significant tax regulations issued by the Treasury Department on or after January 1, 2016. Supportive of Executive Order 13790, Promoting Agricultural and Rural Prosperity in America to promote the parser ion of family farms and other agribusiness operations as they are passed from one generation to the next including changes to the estate tax and the tax valuation of family or cooperatively held businesses. Supportive of HR 747, and S. 236 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 to modernize the tax code and streamline regulations for producers of craft beverages. Supportive of withdrawal of Treasure Department proposed regulations on Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes. Supportive of HR 2853 and S. 988, Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act, which incentivized investment in biogas systems to make biogas and nutrient recovery systems eligible for the 30% investment tax credit already in place for fuel cells, solar power, wind energy combined heat and power systems and geothermal projects. Supportive of maintaining the Section 199 deduction for domestic production activities income, a reduction in capital gains taxes, maintenance of cash accounting, maintenance of deductions for interest payments and maintenance of tax provisions for renewable energy and environmental mitigation as part of any tax reform plan.

Supportive of HR 2193, Remote Transactions Parity Act of 2017 and S 976, Marketplace Fairness Act o 2017. Both pieces of legislation promotes fair competition between local and mail street retailers and internet-only sellers by allowing states to apply sales tax law uniformly. Supportive of Executive Order 13789, Identifying and Reducing Tax Regulatory Burdens, to review all significant tax regulations issued by the Treasury Department on or after January 1, 2016. Supportive of Executive Order 13790, Promoting Agricultural and Rural Prosperity in America to promote the parser ion of family farms and other agribusiness operations as they are passed from one generation to the next including changes to the estate tax and the tax valuation of family or cooperatively held businesses. Supportive of HR 747, and S. 236 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 to modernize the tax code and streamline regulations for producers of craft beverages. Supportive of withdrawal of Treasure Department proposed regulations on Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes. Supportive of HR 2853 and S. 988, Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act, which incentivized investment in biogas systems to make biogas and nutrient recovery systems eligible for the 30% investment tax credit already in place for fuel cells, solar power, wind energy combined heat and power systems and geothermal projects. Supportive of maintaining the Section 199 deduction for domestic production activities income, a reduction in capital gains taxes, maintenance of cash accounting, maintenance of deductions for interest payments and maintenance of tax provisions for renewable energy and environmental mitigation as part of any tax reform plan.

Monitoring Consumer Drone Safety Act and HR 4441 with specific regard to drones. Congressional discussion on drones seems to be steadily increasing. Also monitoring impending FAA drone regulations which continue and present challenges and benefits to the agriculture community continue.

Supported national legislation regarding GMO food labeling, specifically, S. 2609. Supported all legislation concepts that included the follwoing tenants: Defending an efficient, science-based regulatory process - Since 1986, the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology has successfully governed how the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work together to regulate new biotech products. In recent years, however, the process has become unpredictable and the timeline for reviewing new products has increased dramatically due to overlapping regulatory responsibilities, a lack of inter-agency coordination, the looming threat of activist lawsuits that drain agency resources and efforts to introduce socioeconomic criteria into regulatory decisions. Improving coexistence and protecting property rights - Coexistence refers to the concurrent use of diverse cropping methods, including organic, conventional and modern biotechnology. Coexistence is most effective when it facilitates farmers ability to choose a particular cropping method, along with the associated responsibility and production practices needed to maintain crop integrity, without conflicting with property rights of other farmers. Efforts to educate farmers about effective stewardship and good neighborly communication can help to strengthen coexistence. However, some groups have advocated for establishing heavy-handed coexistence policies that would impose costly requirements for farmers of biotech crops, such as mandatory stewardship practices and the creation of indemnity funds to compensate non-biotech farmers for the unintended presence of biotech material. These policy proposals contradict the traditional principles of value-added and identity-preserved agriculture, and go beyond what is justified by science to regulate the use of biotechnology and influence markets based on commercial concerns. Opposing mandatory labeling - FDAs longstanding policy on biotech food labeling states: FDA has no basis for concluding that bioengineered foods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way, or that, as a class, foods developed by the new techniques present any or greater safety concern than foods developed by traditional plant breeding. The worlds top credible scientific authorities-including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences, the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association-have all concluded that foods with biotech-derived ingredients pose no more risk than any other food. Still, there are significant efforts to require labeling of foods with biotech ingredients, regardless of scientific evidence. Each year, anti-biotechnology groups attempt to pass mandatory labeling laws in several states through statute or referendum. Mandatory labels would mislead consumers about the safety of biotechnology, erode the credibility of FDA and discourage consumer acceptance of new, beneficial technologies. Farm Bureau has opposed mandatory labeling efforts at the federal and state levels. Promoting harmonization of international standards - Improving global market access and reducing trade disruptions can have enormous economic benefits for U.S. agricultural exports. Reducing asynchrony in the scientific standards, timeline and data requirements that different countries use to regulate products can improve market access. Supported efforts the House Agriculture Committee held two days of hearings this week on the challenges and potential benefits of small-scale agriculture and local food production. Hearing testimony and questions focused on the opportunities and challenges in direct marketing from the farm perspective and the benefits of incentive programs that promote fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income households. OFB also supports concepts to seek to broaden the political base of support for farm programs. Worked and solicited comments regarding Environmental Protection Agency Certification Rule due in January 2016. File formal comments on January 22, 2016. Under the EPA proposal, increased requirement would be imposed on state agencies implementing the program, as well as certified private applicators, commercial applicators and non-certified applicators applying pesticides under the superivision of a certified applicator. Lobbyied and solicitied member comment on HJ 59 which provided for congressional disapproval of the WOTUS rule under the provisions of the Congressional Review Act. Also lobbyied Senate EPW for inclusion of S. 1500, the Bipartisan Sportsman Act which would amend FIFRA and CWA by stating that the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Syustem permits are not required when pesticides are applied in conformance with FIFRA.

Lobbyied congressional delegation to suppport repeal of EPA WOTUS rule. Supported H.J. Resolution 59 provides for congressional disapproval of the WOTUS rule under the provisions of the Congressional Review Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have finalized a rule that will significantly expand the definition of "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The final rule is even broader than the proposed rule in number of areas. This regulation expands federal authority beyond the limits approved by Congress and reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court; the impact on farmers and ranchers will be devastating. Oregon's farmers and ranchers are seeking to require EPA to withdraw this regulation and propose a new rule that reflects not only the limitations imposed by both Congress and the Supreme Court but the views offered after formal consultation with states. Also lobbyied Senate EPW for inclusion of S. 1500, the Bipartisan Sportsman Act which would amend FIFRA and CWA by stating that the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Syustem permits are not required when pesticides are applied in conformance with FIFRA.

Supported national legislation regarding GMO food labeling, specifically, S. 2609. Supported all legislation concepts that included the follwoing tenants: Defending an efficient, science-based regulatory process - Since 1986, the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology has successfully governed how the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work together to regulate new biotech products. In recent years, however, the process has become unpredictable and the timeline for reviewing new products has increased dramatically due to overlapping regulatory responsibilities, a lack of inter-agency coordination, the looming threat of activist lawsuits that drain agency resources and efforts to introduce socioeconomic criteria into regulatory decisions. Improving coexistence and protecting property rights - Coexistence refers to the concurrent use of diverse cropping methods, including organic, conventional and modern biotechnology. Coexistence is most effective when it facilitates farmers ability to choose a particular cropping method, along with the associated responsibility and production practices needed to maintain crop integrity, without conflicting with property rights of other farmers. Efforts to educate farmers about effective stewardship and good neighborly communication can help to strengthen coexistence. However, some groups have advocated for establishing heavy-handed coexistence policies that would impose costly requirements for farmers of biotech crops, such as mandatory stewardship practices and the creation of indemnity funds to compensate non-biotech farmers for the unintended presence of biotech material. These policy proposals contradict the traditional principles of value-added and identity-preserved agriculture, and go beyond what is justified by science to regulate the use of biotechnology and influence markets based on commercial concerns. Opposing mandatory labeling - FDAs longstanding policy on biotech food labeling states: FDA has no basis for concluding that bioengineered foods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way, or that, as a class, foods developed by the new techniques present any or greater safety concern than foods developed by traditional plant breeding. The worlds top credible scientific authorities-including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences, the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association-have all concluded that foods with biotech-derived ingredients pose no more risk than any other food. Still, there are significant efforts to require labeling of foods with biotech ingredients, regardless of scientific evidence. Each year, anti-biotechnology groups attempt to pass mandatory labeling laws in several states through statute or referendum. Mandatory labels would mislead consumers about the safety of biotechnology, erode the credibility of FDA and discourage consumer acceptance of new, beneficial technologies. Farm Bureau has opposed mandatory labeling efforts at the federal and state levels. Promoting harmonization of international standards - Improving global market access and reducing trade disruptions can have enormous economic benefits for U.S. agricultural exports. Reducing asynchrony in the scientific standards, timeline and data requirements that different countries use to regulate products can improve market access. Supported efforts the House Agriculture Committee held two days of hearings this week on the challenges and potential benefits of small-scale agriculture and local food production. Hearing testimony and questions focused on the opportunities and challenges in direct marketing from the farm perspective and the benefits of incentive programs that promote fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income households. OFB also supports concepts to seek to broaden the political base of support for farm programs. Worked and solicited comments regarding Environmental Protection Agency Certification Rule due in January 2016. File formal comments on January 22, 2016. Under the EPA proposal, increased requirement would be imposed on state agencies implementing the program, as well as certified private applicators, commercial applicators and non-certified applicators applying pesticides under the superivision of a certified applicator. Lobbyied and solicitied member comment on HJ 59 which provided for congressional disapproval of the WOTUS rule under the provisions of the Congressional Review Act. Also lobbyied Senate EPW for inclusion of S. 1500, the Bipartisan Sportsman Act which would amend FIFRA and CWA by stating that the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Syustem permits are not required when pesticides are applied in conformance with FIFRA.

USDA biotech work and proposed voluntary non GMO label. Continued to seek congressional support for HR 1599 including co sponsorship of dear colleague letters and legislation not only of vountary non GMO label, but federal solution and limiting state initiatives and definition of the term natural. Continued monitoring of food safety rulemaking. Began working with ODA and other industry groups to form FSMA implementation task force in preparation for proposed rules becoming final.

USDA biotech webinars and proposed voluntary non GMO label. Sought support for HR 1599 including co sponsorship of dear colleague letters and legislation not only of vountary non GMO label, but federal solution and limiting state initiatives and definition of the term natural. Continued monitoring of food safety rulemaking.

Support for HR 1732, the Regulatory Intergrity Protection Act of 2015. HR 1732 requires the EPA to withdraw the current proposed rule that defines "waters of the US" and charges them with developing a new proposed rule. The legislation also requires that the agencies solicit recommendations from and consult with state and local officials and other stakeholders on how to define "waters of the US".

Evaluated final EPA rule regarding Waters of the US (WOTUS) and the impact on Oregon's farms and ranches. Support for HR 1732, the Regulatory Intergrity Protection Act of 2015. HR 1732 requires the EPA to withdraw the current proposed rule that defines WOTUS and charges them with developing a new proposed rule. The legislation also requires that the agencies solicit recommendations from and consult with state and local officials and other stakeholders on how to define WOTUS.

Continued overall push for regualtory reform. Currently focused on HR 185, Administrative Procedures Act.

Supported passage of Fixing America's Surface Transportation which included: Covered Farm Vehicles: Section 5509 of H.R. 3763 would protect states from losing federal funding if additional regulatory relief were provided to covered farm vehicles and drivers. Included in House version, not in the Senate version. Hazardous Materials Endorsement Exemption: Section 33101 of Senate passed H.R. 22 would provide an exemption to a hazardous materials endorsement and would allow for farmers and custom harvesters with a Class A CDL to haul up to 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel if the service vehicle is clearly marked with a label reading Diesel Fuel. Language is included in both bills. Commercial Driver Access: Section 32403 of Senate passed H.R. 22 would create a pilot program that would allow states to form compacts to allow CDL drivers between 18-21 to drive across state lines (currently must be 21, even though 49 states allow drivers under 21 to hold CDLs). Similar language exists in the House bill. Increased Truck Weights: Amendments regarding truck weights were offered in both the House and Senate language, but ultimately not included in either bill. One amendment would have given states the flexibility to set truck weight limits on Interstate Highways within their borders at 91,000 pounds for trucks equipped with an additional [sixth] axle. Another amendment that would allow a state, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 95,000 pounds for the hauling of livestock did not pass. Also supported marijuana provision included in FAST Act. Marijuana Impaired Driving: Section 4008 The Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall conduct a study on marijuana-impaired driving. ISSUES TO BE EXAMINED. Methods to detect marijuana-impaired driving, including devices capable of measuring marijuana levels in motor vehicle operators. A review of impairment standard research for driving under the influence of marijuana. Methods to differentiate the cause of a driving impairment between alcohol and marijuana. State-based policies on marijuana-impaired driving. The role and extent of marijuana impairment in motor vehicle accidents. REPORT. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, The report shall include An assessment of methodologies and technologies for measuring driver impairment resulting from the use of marijuana, including the use of marijuana in combination with alcohol. A description and assessment of the role of marijuana as a causal factor in traffic crashes and the extent of the problem of marijuana-impaired driving. A description and assessment of current State laws relating to marijuana impaired driving. A determination whether an impairment standard for drivers under the influence of marijuana is Feasible and could reduce vehicle accidents and save lives. RECOMMENDATIONS Effective and efficient methods for training law enforcement personnel, including drug recognition Experts, to detect or measure the level of impairment of a motor vehicle operator who is under the Influence of marijuana by the use of technology or otherwise. If feasible, an impairment standard for driving under the influence of marijuana. Methodologies for increased data collection regarding the prevalence and effects of marijuana- Impaired driving. �

Support for HR 2393 which repeals country of origin labeling requirements with respect to beef, pork and chicken which is intended to end the controversay with Canada and Mexico over COOL program.

Support for HR 2393 which repeals country of origin labeling requirements with respect to beef, pork and chicken which is intended to end the controversay with Canada and Mexico over COOL program.

ESA issues including streak horned meadowlark and sage grouse. Sought data reports from other state Farm Bureau's with the help of American Farm Bureau to evaluate damage and depredation specifically from Canadian geese nationwide. Addditional lobbying and analysis on hunting, bird counts and additional regulations specifically on cackler geese specifically in Oregon. Continued to monitor Resilient Federal Forests Act (HR 2647) which would simplify environmental process requirements, reduces project planning time and reduces the cost of implementing forest management projects while still ensuring robust protection of the environment. It offers common sense relief to the gridlock that has plagued implementation of management decisions on federal forests and rangelands. Finally it include opportunities for certain grazing practices to combat invasive speciesthat increase the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires.

Supported passage of Fixing America's Surface Transportation which included: Covered Farm Vehicles: Section 5509 of H.R. 3763 would protect states from losing federal funding if additional regulatory relief were provided to covered farm vehicles and drivers. Included in House version, not in the Senate version. Hazardous Materials Endorsement Exemption: Section 33101 of Senate passed H.R. 22 would provide an exemption to a hazardous materials endorsement and would allow for farmers and custom harvesters with a Class A CDL to haul up to 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel if the service vehicle is clearly marked with a label reading Diesel Fuel. Language is included in both bills. Commercial Driver Access: Section 32403 of Senate passed H.R. 22 would create a pilot program that would allow states to form compacts to allow CDL drivers between 18-21 to drive across state lines (currently must be 21, even though 49 states allow drivers under 21 to hold CDLs). Similar language exists in the House bill. Increased Truck Weights: Amendments regarding truck weights were offered in both the House and Senate language, but ultimately not included in either bill. One amendment would have given states the flexibility to set truck weight limits on Interstate Highways within their borders at 91,000 pounds for trucks equipped with an additional [sixth] axle. Another amendment that would allow a state, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 95,000 pounds for the hauling of livestock did not pass. Also supported marijuana provision included in FAST Act. Marijuana Impaired Driving: Section 4008 The Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall conduct a study on marijuana-impaired driving. ISSUES TO BE EXAMINED. Methods to detect marijuana-impaired driving, including devices capable of measuring marijuana levels in motor vehicle operators. A review of impairment standard research for driving under the influence of marijuana. Methods to differentiate the cause of a driving impairment between alcohol and marijuana. State-based policies on marijuana-impaired driving. The role and extent of marijuana impairment in motor vehicle accidents. REPORT. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, The report shall include An assessment of methodologies and technologies for measuring driver impairment resulting from the use of marijuana, including the use of marijuana in combination with alcohol. A description and assessment of the role of marijuana as a causal factor in traffic crashes and the extent of the problem of marijuana-impaired driving. A description and assessment of current State laws relating to marijuana impaired driving. A determination whether an impairment standard for drivers under the influence of marijuana is Feasible and could reduce vehicle accidents and save lives. RECOMMENDATIONS Effective and efficient methods for training law enforcement personnel, including drug recognition Experts, to detect or measure the level of impairment of a motor vehicle operator who is under the Influence of marijuana by the use of technology or otherwise. If feasible, an impairment standard for driving under the influence of marijuana. Methodologies for increased data collection regarding the prevalence and effects of marijuana- Impaired driving. �

Support for TPA, The Bipartisan Congressioanl Trade Priorities and Accountability Act (TPA) S.995. The TPA bill allows Congress to have and up or down vote on trade agreements. OFB also supports well crafted trade agreements with Europe and the Pacific Rim. Also continued to monitor possible markets opening with Cuba.

Support for TPA, The Bipartisan Congressioanl Trade Priorities and Accountability Act (TPA) S.995. The TPA bill allows Congress to have and up or down vote on trade agreements. OFB also supports well crafted trade agreements with Europe and the Pacific Rim.

In addition, actively worked with congressional delegation to stop overreaching tactics used by USDOL in Oregon. Sought support for congressional hearing regarding hot goods mechanism used by USDOL and lack of due process presented to growers. Also began discussions with congressional delegation on potentional guest worker program outside of H2a. Sought broad support for H.R. 1387. Continued to be engaged in litigation with USDOL. OFB engaged in producer lawsuits against USDOL and their own lawsuitregarding OFBF FOIA request.