BAILEY FISHER (THUMM)

Worked on efforts to support passage of "farm bill 2.0". Supported efforts for bridge payments/economic assistance. Worked on ensuring USDA released the $10 billion in economic assistance and $20.8 billion in disaster relief assistance from H.R.10545 (FY25 December 2024 CR). Informed Congressional delegation, White House Office of Public Liaison, and USDA of PFB's 2025 priorities (animal health, dairy, energy, environment/regulatory reform, farm bill (including Prop 12), labor, transportation, and wildlife). Supported compensation programs for animal health diseases impacting livestock and poultry such as HPAI. Advocated for science-based research when making decisions in the MAHA space. Monitored S.98, the Agriculture Innovation Act, which aims to improve USDA data collection and research on conservation practices to better inform farmers about which practices reduce risk and increase profitability, enhance crop yields, and improve soil health. Promoted our recommendations for the State FSA Committee. SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - H.R. 7567 otherwise known as "farm bill 2.0" - H.R. 4708, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of the Spotted Lanternfly. - S.581/H.R.295, the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.741/H.R.1613, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.1073/H.R.2117, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.156/H.R.575, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.29 / H.R.139, the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight savings time permanent. - S.469/H.R.1131, the Farmers First Act, which would reauthorize and increase funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to $15 million annually for five years. - S.420/H.R.985, the Dairy Business Innovation Act, which would increase the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) program's funding from the current $20 million to $36 million. - H.R.4782, the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act, which would allow states, through USDA, to establish cooperative agreements connecting local farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations. - S.1693/H.R.3283, the Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act, which would strengthen the agricultural safety net by increasing premium support for higher levels of crop insurance coverage, making it more affordable, and by allowing farmers to participate in both enhanced crop insurance and other commodity programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC).

Explained farmers and ranchers' voluntary conservation efforts as a way to express that more environmental regulations in production ag are not necessary. SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - H.R.3909, the FUELS Act, which would raise the fuel storage capacity exemption levels for small farmers, exempting them from costly infrastructure improvements (like building dikes or basins) otherwise required by the SPCC rule for spill containment. OPPOSED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.1507/H.R.3077, the Agriculture Resilience Act, which would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. - H.R.4133, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would primarily impact CAFOs by reducing the federal cost-share for large structural waste management practices (such as lagoons and manure transfer systems) that are often used by these operations, and by eliminating the mandatory 50% livestock funding set-aside.

General concerns regarding reliable transportation infrastructure in rural America (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc). OPPOSED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - H.R.3623, the Horse Transportation Safety Act, which would prohibit double-deck trailers.

Reauthorization of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.1462/H.R.471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which would establish requirements for managing forests on federal land, including requirements concerning reducing wildfire threats, expediting the review of certain forest management projects, and implementing forest management projects and other activities.

Concerns regarding Prop 12 relative to domestic and international trade. Addressed concerns regarding Trump Administration's tariffs. Monitored the issue of countries importing "organic" products that have contaminants. Concerns regarding Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement. SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - H.R.4673, the Save Our Bacon Act, which would prohibit state and local governments from interfering with the production of livestock in other states. - S.1326, the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, which would prohibit any state or local government from interfering with commerce and agricultural practices in another state outside their jurisdiction.

Reform to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). Supported efforts to rescind the March 2023 AEWR methodology rule. SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING: - DOL's final rule changing the AEWR: Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States (Docket # - ETA-2025-0008) - H.R.1624, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the H-2A program's Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2026. - S.4249, the FARM Stability Act, which would codify the basic tenets of DOL's interim final rule on the AEWR methodology effective October 2025.

Educated our MOCs offices on how our farmers use pesticides safely and effectively in relation to the MAHA debate. Supported pesticide availability and consistent labeling across all states. Advocated for farms to be exempt from any PFAS liability and if farms do experience PFAS contamination that there be a compensation fund. Concerns on CERCLA relative to PFAS contamination on farms. General concerns on EPA's Risk Assessments.

Incentives and EOs regarding domestic energy production. Expand our energy resource portfolio. Secure our electric grid from vulnerabilities. Balance renewable and conventional sources of energy. Strategic placement of renewables (i.e. limit solar on productive farmland). Agrivoltaics. SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - H.R. 3313, the Protecting American Farmlands Act, which would prohibit federal funds from being used for certain solar energy projects that would convert farmland and would exclude solar facilities on prime farmland from certain clean energy tax credits.

Supported tax provisions included in H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act - particularly Section 199A and the estate tax exemption. SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.213/H.R.703, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make permanent the 20% deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). - S.587/H.R.1301, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would Would repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. It also makes conforming amendments related to the gift tax. OPPOSED THE FOLLOWING: - Section 112025 (UBIT provision) in H.R.1 - House Ways and Means markup

SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - H.R.425, the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act, which would repeal the Corporate Transparency Act.

Worked on efforts surrounding the price of fertilizer given the situation in Iran. General advocacy for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices. SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.593/H.R.1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent. - H.R.4562, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act, which would direct the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) to include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) more explicitly on their weekly and monthly reports, in line with existing standards and consistent with other fuel types.

SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.910, the Farm Ownership Improvement Act, which would require USDA to implement a pre-qualification or pre-approval process for all farmers and ranchers seeking FSA Direct Farm Ownership loans. - H.R.1991, the Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement (PACE) Act, which would improve farmer's access to credit by increasing loan limits and updating FSA lending programs to better reflect the rising costs of agricultural production. - S.838/H.R.1822, the ACRE Act, which would amend the IRS code to allow community banks to administer agricultural real estate loans by granting them tax exempt status on earned interest.

Concerns regarding Prop 12 relative to animal welfare. Supported Section 12007 from H.R.7567, which would establish USDA and FDA as the national standard for food that can be moved between state lines. Concerns regarding New World Screwworm. Concerns regarding HPAI. Concerns regarding Fish and Wildlife Service's depredation permits. SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - H.R.3915, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2030. - S.1823/H.R.2462, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act, which would update the outdated ESA by establishing clear statutory definitions, focusing on species recovery, and streamlining the ESA permitting process. - S.574/H.R.1376, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. - H.R.845, the Pets and Livestock Protection Act, which would delist the gray wolf from the ESA to protect livestock. - S.1751/H.R.3392, the STOP Screwworms Act, which would require the USDA Secretary to establish one or more facilities in the U.S. to disperse sterile New World screwworm flies to combat infestations and prevent their spread.

Supported increasing rural broadband connection and cell service. Supported increasing funds for farmers to access precision ag technologies. Reviewed vertical farming opportunities. SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.315/H.R.979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. - S.1616, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, which would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment.

General immigration reform. Advocated for a secure border, while asking for flexibility for the ag workforce. Asked Congress to address and reform the H-2A program. Monitored the draft of the Affordable and Secure Food Act (not yet introduced) and offered our feedback to Senate offices if requested. Monitored H.R.4319, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would make reforms to the H-2A program. Reviewed H.R.4393, the DIGNITY Act, which would provide a pathway to legal status (but not citizenship) for certain undocumented immigrants. Reviewed H.R.4393, the Bracero Program 2.0 Act, which seeks to modernize the H-2A program. Concerns with the increasing Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program. Supported a year-round agricultural visa program. Supported reform to the H-2A housing inspection process.

General concerns on ways to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms. Discussions on importance of some type of bridge payments from Congress due to the struggling farm economy.

General concerns on efficient rail systems as ag heavily relies off of railroads. SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - Reintroduction of the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act, which would require that trail sponsors obtain consent from all impacted landowners and provide fair compensation when converting abandoned railroad corridors into recreational trails.

Supported whole and 2% milk being offered in all government programs and schools. Concerns regarding alternative milks being labeled as milk. Concerns regarding egg alternatives being labeled as eggs. Concerns regarding lab-grown meat or plant-based meat alternatives being labeled as 'chicken', 'beef', etc. Concerns regarding food additives and dyes in food. Worked to find solutions regarding a lack of USDA certified meat processing facilities. Recommended Scott Sechler to be appointed to the National Organic Standards Board SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.222/H.R.649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the GIVE MILK Act, which would allow whole and reduced fat milk in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. - H.R.648, the Strengthening Our Servicemembers with Milk Act, which would require DOD to provide fluid or powdered milk to members of the Armed Forces at dining facilities on military installations. OPPOSED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.421, the American Beef Labeling Act, which would reinstate Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef, requiring the country where the cattle were born, raised, and slaughtered to be displayed on the product to ensure consumer transparency and support domestic producers.

SUPPORT FOR THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.469/H.R.1131, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher ed. - H.R. 4945, the GO Ag Act, which would create a $5 million grant program to help high schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. - H.R. 7989, the ACE Act, which would ensure a more equitable distribution of federal education funding by eliminating a "number weighting" system that currently favors large, populous school districts, shifting the formula to prioritize districts based on their actual percentage of poverty regardless of their size.

SUPPORTED THE FOLLOWING BILLS: - S.1969, the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) Improvements Act, which would modernize AFIDA by lowering the reporting threshold for foreign ownership, mandating an online disclosure system, increasing data sharing among federal agencies like CFIUS, and improving the USDA's ability to validate and enforce compliance. - S.2268/H.R.1713, the Agricultural Risk Review Act, which would add the USDA Secretary as a permanent member on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). - S.886/H.R.1920, the FARMLAND Act, which would authorize the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review all purchases or leases of American farmland by foreign entities that exceed $5,000,000 or 320 acres. - S.732/H.R.1576, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, which would add the USDA Secretary to CFIUS and require them to report certain transactions involving certain countries or their citizens to CFIUS.

ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - No bill # yet, the Agriculture Resilience Act, which would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. - EPA's rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law. OTHER: - General advocacy promoting farmers and ranchers' conservation efforts on ag operations as a way to express that more environmental regulations in production ag is not necessary. - Had conversations with FEMA on what resources they can offer PFB members.

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ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.593/H.R.1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would authorize year-round E15 sales. OTHER: - Asked PFB members to complete E15 Action Alert. - General advocacy for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.222/H.R.649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - Reintroduction of the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act, which would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - Reintroduction of the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of a dairy product (such as milk, yogurt, or cream cheese) unless the food (1)is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. - Reintroduction of the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - Reintroduction of the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. - Reintroduction of the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. - Secretary Rollins and Kennedy's commitment to revising the Dietary Guidelines so nutritious and wholesome foods like whole milk can be offered in schools again. OTHER: - Monitored MAHA campaign initiatives surrounding dyes in food. - Submitted Dan Kniffen as our nominee for USDA's National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - H.R.2462, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act, which would update the outdated ESA by establishing clear statutory definitions, focusing on species recovery, and streamlining the ESA permitting process. - S.574/H.R.1376, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. - Supported Secretary Rollins' February 2025 5 pronged approach to combat HPAI. - S.545/H.R.1266, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. - H.R.845, the Pets and Livestock Protection Act, which would delist the gray wolf from the ESA to protect livestock. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.1802, the Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics (SPARE) Act, which would prohibit the use of animals in federally funded research, promote humane alternatives and promote ethical rehoming of retired research animals. MONARCH BUTTERFLY: - Reviewed FWS' proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly as an endangered species (Docket #: FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137-0001). - Expressed concerns to legislators over the impact this will have on agriculture. - Worked with PFB members to comply information for comments to FWS. - Attended monarch butterfly presentation at AFBF Convention. HPAI: - Had conversations with PA House and Senate offices over HPAI concerns - importance of biosecurity, education, proper compensation, preventative methods, etc. - Listened to USDA calls and other webinar addressing strategies to prevent HPAI OTHER: - Reviewed APHIS' final rule (89 FR 39194-39251) to make changes to the Horse Protection Act that would impact members involved in the equestrian industry. - Established a PA Federal Wildlife Coalition to address issues such as the ESA, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, etc. - Sent House Natural Resource's Water, Fish, and Wildlife subcommittee support letter for Endangered Species Amendments Act - Meeting with PA's APHIS Wildlife Services and PFB member regarding problems with depredation permit for predator birds - Conversations regarding protections against screwworm in Mexican cattle. Asked PA House offices to sign onto New World Screwworm letter by Rep. Gonzales.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.315/H.R.979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. - Reintroduction of the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act, which would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. - Reintroduction of the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, which would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. NEUTRAL/MONTIORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.1705, the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act, which would establish a new tax credit for investment in any innovative agricultural technology projects. OTHER: - General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Restore the CSP Act, which would reauthorize the USDA-National Resource Conservation Services Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) back to 2014 Farm Bill funding levels by taking conservation dollars authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and repurposing them to the next farm bill baseline for CSP.

FY 25 APPROPS: - Supported H.R.1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, so that crucial U.S. Departments/Agencies can remain open. USDA STAFF/FUNDING CUTS: - Monitored staff/funding cuts across departments/agencies. - Had discussions with PA House and Senate offices about the importance of keeping FSA and NRCS offices adequately staffed and funded. - Asked PFB members to send me NRCS projects or FSA loans that were stopped due to funding cuts. NUTRITON PROGRAM FUNDING CUTS: - Conversations with PA House and Senate offices on USDA's decision to cut certain nutrition programs and the Congressional Democrats concerns over cuts to SNAP in the budget. - Advocated and had numerous conversations with USDA, PA Department of Agriculture, Rep. Thompson, and other stakeholders regarding PA's 13 million Local Food Purchasing Agreement (LFPA) contract. - Supported Governor Shapiro's request to reinstate PA's 13 million LFPA contract. - Provided PFB members with talking points regarding nutrition program cuts in addition to specific ones regarding background/PFB's position (to work in a bipartisan manner to reinstate the funds for PA) on the LFPA cuts. USAID: - Discussions with PFB members on impacts of Trump Administration's funding cuts of USAID in regards to certain nutrition programs USAID distributes. - Conversations with legislators regarding questions on FB's stance on USAID defunding.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.469/H.R.1131, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education. BOI Filing Requirements: - Monitored and had discussions with PA House and Senate offices opposing Treasury's BOI filing requirement that was reinstated by court order in March. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting that the BOI injunction stay in place. - Ended up thanking Treasury for basically rescinding all the BOI filing requirements for American-based companies. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting Treasury's efforts to retract the BOI filing requirements.

PROP 12: - Asked House and Senate offices in addition to Secretary Rollins to oppose California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts' Question 3. Discussed harmful impacts of regulations like Prop 12 and Question 3 that force arbitrary and unscientific growing practices on other states causing a patchwork of different regulations across state lines which in turn impacts Interstate Commerce. - Asked to support GT's solution from H.R.8467 last Congress, which would be a legislative fix to Prop 12 and Question 3 by establishing USDA and FDA as the national standard for food that can be moved between state lines. Meaning, CA and MA have every right to implement those growing practices for their states' producers and within their state, but Interstate Commerce does not allow for them to force other states' producers to adapt to these growing practices if they want to sell to CA or MA. - Discussed Prop 12 concerns with representatives from Canada. OTHER: - Had many conversations with PA House and Senate members in addition to USDA regarding PFB member's concerns regarding President Trump's tariffs. - Provided PFB members with talking points on trade. - Conversations with Rep. Smucker's office to discuss questions to ask in Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade meeting regarding agriculture. - Monitored the issue of countries importing "organic" products that have contaminants. - Had conversations with PA House and Senate offices of PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement. - Informed PA House and Senate offices of the good news that the U.S. won in the trade dispute over Mexico banning imports of bio-tech corn.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.213/H.R.703, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make permanent the 20% deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). - S.587/H.R.1301, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would Would repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. It also makes conforming amendments related to the gift tax. - Reintroduction of the Preserving Family Farms Act, which would modernize Section 2032A Special Use Valuation by increasing the amount of farmland that can be valued for farming operations rather than development value. - Reintroduction of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Specifically, it would extend 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive to 2023, through the end of 2025 and raises the cap on Section 179 expensing. OTHER: - Prepared PFB member with materials to advocate for our tax asks in a video. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting the Main Street Tax Certainty Act. - Met with PA House and Senate offices to discuss need to extend certain TCJA provisions and pass a comprehensive tax package in 2025 to provide farmers and ranchers economic stability.

General advocacy for reliable transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the All Children Are Equal (ACE) Act, would eliminate the number weighting system used to distribute Title I grants to ensure that school districts are treated equally based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population. - Reintroduction of the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act, which would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Education to help CTE schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. - Reintroduction of the Young Farmer Success Act, which would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. OTHER: - Advocated for USDA to restore the Farm to School Grant, worked with Rep. Thompson's office on the issue as well.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, which would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. - Reintroduction of the Agriculture PFAs Liability Protection Act, which would exempt farming from any PFAS liability. - Reintroduction of the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. OTHER: - Conversations prior to RFK Jr's confirmation hearing with Senator Fetterman and McCormick's offices on including questions in questioning that involve not taking away farmer's crop protection tools. - Provided PFB members with talking points for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) - Signed onto coalition letter to support the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act. - Worked with legislators regarding the MAHA campaign and how it is important to not eliminate farmer's crop protection tools (pesticides) if they are backed by EPA and safe to use as long as it is applied as instructed. - Advocacy in general to encourage legislators to support pesticide labeling that is scientifically sound and consistent across states.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.886/H.R.1920, the Farmland Security Act, which would amend and modernize the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. - H.R.1713, the Agricultural Risk Review Act, which would add the USDA Secretary as a permanent member on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). - S.732/H.R.1576, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, which would add the USDA Secretary to CFIUS and require them to report certain transactions involving certain countries or their citizens to CFIUS.

- General advocacy to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms. - Asked Senator Fetterman's office if the Senator plans to ask AFBF President Duvall any questions for Senate Ag hearing regarding the farm economy.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.1624, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the H-2A program's Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which has increased H-2A employers' labor costs even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. OTHER: - Worked with Brian Pasternak (DOL) on doing a webinar for PFB members on the H-2A program. - General advocacy to have discussions to reform the H-2A program.

WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES (WOTUS): - Worked on recommendations, per Administrator Zeldin's request (EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0093), for a new WOTUS definition. - Opposed EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" - Conforming" (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0346). The Agencies did not take the opportunity after the Supreme Court decision to properly clarify vagueness in the rule. OTHER: - Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114) to House and Senate Members.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform. OTHER: - Conversations with solar companies regarding the use of agrivoltaics. - Supported President Trump's February 14 Executive Order to establish the National Energy Dominance Council. - Advocated for Congressional action and/or Executive Orders to make America energy independent, expand our energy resource portfolio, secure our electric grid from vulnerabilities, and balance renewable and conventional sources of energy in addition to strategic placement of renewables (i.e. limit solar on productive farmland).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which would codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. - Reintroduction of the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA), which would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - Reintroduction of the Illegal Labor Accountability Act, which would increase the civil penalties for employers who hire unauthorized migrants. OTHER: - Addressed concerns with President Trump's Executive Orders surrounding border security with PA House and Senate Members. Specifically, advocated that we have to ensure there is a balance between securing the border and ensuring agriculture employers have a dependable workforce. - Fielded calls from members concerned about President Trump's Executive orders regarding deportation. Provided them talking points for the issue. - Meetings with stakeholders on President Trump's Executive orders regarding deportation.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the All Children Are Equal (ACE) Act, would eliminate the number weighting system used to distribute Title I grants to ensure that school districts are treated equally based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population. - Reintroduction of the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act, which would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Education to help CTE schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. - Reintroduction of the Young Farmer Success Act, which would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. OTHER: - Advocated for USDA to restore the Farm to School Grant, worked with Rep. Thompson's office on the issue as well.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform. OTHER: - Conversations with solar companies regarding the use of agrivoltaics. - Supported President Trump's February 14 Executive Order to establish the National Energy Dominance Council. - Advocated for Congressional action and/or Executive Orders to make America energy independent, expand our energy resource portfolio, secure our electric grid from vulnerabilities, and balance renewable and conventional sources of energy in addition to strategic placement of renewables (i.e. limit solar on productive farmland).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which would codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. - Reintroduction of the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA), which would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - Reintroduction of the Illegal Labor Accountability Act, which would increase the civil penalties for employers who hire unauthorized migrants. OTHER: - Addressed concerns with President Trump's Executive Orders surrounding border security with PA House and Senate Members. Specifically, advocated that we have to ensure there is a balance between securing the border and ensuring agriculture employers have a dependable workforce. - Fielded calls from members concerned about President Trump's Executive orders regarding deportation. Provided them talking points for the issue. - Meetings with stakeholders on President Trump's Executive orders regarding deportation.

None

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.593/H.R.1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would authorize year-round E15 sales. OTHER: - Asked PFB members to complete E15 Action Alert. - General advocacy for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.222/H.R.649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - Reintroduction of the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act, which would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - Reintroduction of the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of a dairy product (such as milk, yogurt, or cream cheese) unless the food (1)is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. - Reintroduction of the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - Reintroduction of the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. - Reintroduction of the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. - Secretary Rollins and Kennedy's commitment to revising the Dietary Guidelines so nutritious and wholesome foods like whole milk can be offered in schools again. OTHER: - Monitored MAHA campaign initiatives surrounding dyes in food. - Submitted Dan Kniffen as our nominee for USDA's National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - H.R.2462, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.R. 1897, the ESA Amendments Act, which would update the outdated ESA by establishing clear statutory definitions, focusing on species recovery, and streamlining the ESA permitting process. - S.574/H.R.1376, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. - Supported Secretary Rollins' February 2025 5 pronged approach to combat HPAI. - S.545/H.R.1266, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. - H.R.845, the Pets and Livestock Protection Act, which would delist the gray wolf from the ESA to protect livestock. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.1802, the Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics (SPARE) Act, which would prohibit the use of animals in federally funded research, promote humane alternatives and promote ethical rehoming of retired research animals. MONARCH BUTTERFLY: - Reviewed FWS' proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly as an endangered species (Docket #: FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137-0001). - Expressed concerns to legislators over the impact this will have on agriculture. - Worked with PFB members to comply information for comments to FWS. - Attended monarch butterfly presentation at AFBF Convention. HPAI: - Had conversations with PA House and Senate offices over HPAI concerns - importance of biosecurity, education, proper compensation, preventative methods, etc. - Listened to USDA calls and other webinar addressing strategies to prevent HPAI OTHER: - Reviewed APHIS' final rule (89 FR 39194-39251) to make changes to the Horse Protection Act that would impact members involved in the equestrian industry. - Established a PA Federal Wildlife Coalition to address issues such as the ESA, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, etc. - Sent House Natural Resource's Water, Fish, and Wildlife subcommittee support letter for Endangered Species Amendments Act - Meeting with PA's APHIS Wildlife Services and PFB member regarding problems with depredation permit for predator birds - Conversations regarding protections against screwworm in Mexican cattle. Asked PA House offices to sign onto New World Screwworm letter by Rep. Gonzales.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.315/H.R.979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. - Reintroduction of the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act, which would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. - Reintroduction of the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, which would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. NEUTRAL/MONTIORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.1705, the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act, which would establish a new tax credit for investment in any innovative agricultural technology projects. OTHER: - General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Restore the CSP Act, which would reauthorize the USDA-National Resource Conservation Services Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) back to 2014 Farm Bill funding levels by taking conservation dollars authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and repurposing them to the next farm bill baseline for CSP.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.469/H.R.1131, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education. BOI Filing Requirements: - Monitored and had discussions with PA House and Senate offices opposing Treasury's BOI filing requirement that was reinstated by court order in March. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting that the BOI injunction stay in place. - Ended up thanking Treasury for basically rescinding all the BOI filing requirements for American-based companies. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting Treasury's efforts to retract the BOI filing requirements.

PROP 12: - Asked House and Senate offices in addition to Secretary Rollins to oppose California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts' Question 3. Discussed harmful impacts of regulations like Prop 12 and Question 3 that force arbitrary and unscientific growing practices on other states causing a patchwork of different regulations across state lines which in turn impacts Interstate Commerce. - Asked to support GT's solution from H.R.8467 last Congress, which would be a legislative fix to Prop 12 and Question 3 by establishing USDA and FDA as the national standard for food that can be moved between state lines. Meaning, CA and MA have every right to implement those growing practices for their states' producers and within their state, but Interstate Commerce does not allow for them to force other states' producers to adapt to these growing practices if they want to sell to CA or MA. - Discussed Prop 12 concerns with representatives from Canada. OTHER: - Had many conversations with PA House and Senate members in addition to USDA regarding PFB member's concerns regarding President Trump's tariffs. - Provided PFB members with talking points on trade. - Conversations with Rep. Smucker's office to discuss questions to ask in Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade meeting regarding agriculture. - Monitored the issue of countries importing "organic" products that have contaminants. - Had conversations with PA House and Senate offices of PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement. - Informed PA House and Senate offices of the good news that the U.S. won in the trade dispute over Mexico banning imports of bio-tech corn.

FY 25 APPROPS: - Supported H.R.1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, so that crucial U.S. Departments/Agencies can remain open. USDA STAFF/FUNDING CUTS: - Monitored staff/funding cuts across departments/agencies. - Had discussions with PA House and Senate offices about the importance of keeping FSA and NRCS offices adequately staffed and funded. - Asked PFB members to send me NRCS projects or FSA loans that were stopped due to funding cuts. NUTRITON PROGRAM FUNDING CUTS: - Conversations with PA House and Senate offices on USDA's decision to cut certain nutrition programs and the Congressional Democrats concerns over cuts to SNAP in the budget. - Advocated and had numerous conversations with USDA, PA Department of Agriculture, Rep. Thompson, and other stakeholders regarding PA's 13 million Local Food Purchasing Agreement (LFPA) contract. - Supported Governor Shapiro's request to reinstate PA's 13 million LFPA contract. - Provided PFB members with talking points regarding nutrition program cuts in addition to specific ones regarding background/PFB's position (to work in a bipartisan manner to reinstate the funds for PA) on the LFPA cuts. USAID: - Discussions with PFB members on impacts of Trump Administration's funding cuts of USAID in regards to certain nutrition programs USAID distributes. - Conversations with legislators regarding questions on FB's stance on USAID defunding.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.213/H.R.703, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make permanent the 20% deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). - S.587/H.R.1301, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would Would repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. It also makes conforming amendments related to the gift tax. - Reintroduction of the Preserving Family Farms Act, which would modernize Section 2032A Special Use Valuation by increasing the amount of farmland that can be valued for farming operations rather than development value. - Reintroduction of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Specifically, it would extend 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive to 2023, through the end of 2025 and raises the cap on Section 179 expensing. OTHER: - Prepared PFB member with materials to advocate for our tax asks in a video. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting the Main Street Tax Certainty Act. - Met with PA House and Senate offices to discuss need to extend certain TCJA provisions and pass a comprehensive tax package in 2025 to provide farmers and ranchers economic stability.

ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - No bill # yet, the Agriculture Resilience Act, which would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. - EPA's rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law. OTHER: - General advocacy promoting farmers and ranchers' conservation efforts on ag operations as a way to express that more environmental regulations in production ag is not necessary. - Had conversations with FEMA on what resources they can offer PFB members.

General advocacy for reliable transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - Reintroduction of the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, which would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. - Reintroduction of the Agriculture PFAs Liability Protection Act, which would exempt farming from any PFAS liability. - Reintroduction of the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. OTHER: - Conversations prior to RFK Jr's confirmation hearing with Senator Fetterman and McCormick's offices on including questions in questioning that involve not taking away farmer's crop protection tools. - Provided PFB members with talking points for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) - Signed onto coalition letter to support the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act. - Worked with legislators regarding the MAHA campaign and how it is important to not eliminate farmer's crop protection tools (pesticides) if they are backed by EPA and safe to use as long as it is applied as instructed. - Advocacy in general to encourage legislators to support pesticide labeling that is scientifically sound and consistent across states.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.886/H.R.1920, the Farmland Security Act, which would amend and modernize the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. - H.R.1713, the Agricultural Risk Review Act, which would add the USDA Secretary as a permanent member on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). - S.732/H.R.1576, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, which would add the USDA Secretary to CFIUS and require them to report certain transactions involving certain countries or their citizens to CFIUS.

- General advocacy to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms. - Asked Senator Fetterman's office if the Senator plans to ask AFBF President Duvall any questions for Senate Ag hearing regarding the farm economy.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.1624, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the H-2A program's Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which has increased H-2A employers' labor costs even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. OTHER: - Worked with Brian Pasternak (DOL) on doing a webinar for PFB members on the H-2A program. - General advocacy to have discussions to reform the H-2A program.

WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES (WOTUS): - Worked on recommendations, per Administrator Zeldin's request (EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0093), for a new WOTUS definition. - Opposed EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" - Conforming" (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0346). The Agencies did not take the opportunity after the Supreme Court decision to properly clarify vagueness in the rule. OTHER: - Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114) to House and Senate Members.

- General advocacy to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms. - Signed onto coalition letter to House and Senate Ag Chairs explaining how record high input costs are impacting operations and how crop protection tools are necessary.

General advocacy opposing EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" - Conforming" (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0346). The Agencies did not take the opportunity after the Supreme Court decision to properly clarify vagueness in the rule. Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114) to House and Senate Members. Participated in calls with agricultural stakeholders on EPA's Animal Agriculture Water Quality Advisory Subcommittee.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.3848/H.R.7046, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. - H.J.Res.134/H.J.Res.135, the Congressional Review Act disapproving of DOL's "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States" rule (Docket #: ETA-2023-0003). Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns of DOL's Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.2253/H.R.4579, the Fairness for Farm Workers Act, which would require employers to compensate agricultural workers for hours worked in excess of their regular hours (i.e., 55 hours in 2022, 50 hours in 2023, 45 hours in 2024, and 40 hours in 2025) at not less than one and one-half times the employee's regular rate. This would essentially remove the agricultural exemption from the overtime requirements of the FLSA. - DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which would increase H-2A employers' cost even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4069, the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which would be a comprehensive reform to the H-2A program. OTHER: - Thanked GT's office for a requesting a GAO report on how to improve the H-2A program. - Asked members to complete PFB's advocacy email asking House and Senate members to cosponsor S.3848/H.R.7046 (see description above). - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1666/H.R.3419, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.Res.588, which would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. - S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, which would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs. These are programs overseen by USDA to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.945, the Strengthening Local Processing Act, which would increase the federal cost share for state facility inspections from 50 to 65% and for Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) facilities from 60 to 80%, thus encouraging more states to operate state inspection programs and participate in CIS. - S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. - S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. OTHER: - Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life.

Raised concerns over the California Air Resources Board (CARB)'s Clean Air Act Authorization Request regarding locomotives. (Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0574)

- General advocacy for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices. - Worked on a year-round legislative fix to E15.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. - S.3693/H.R.7130, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - S.3584/H.R.6945, the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) - Certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1706/H.R.4721, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make permanent the 20% deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). - S.1108/H.R.7035, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would Would repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. It also makes conforming amendments related to the gift tax. - H.R.4937, the Preserving Family Farms Act, which would modernize Section 2032A Special Use Valuation by increasing the amount of farmland that can be valued for farming operations rather than development value. - H.R.7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Specifically, it would extend 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive to 2023, through the end of 2025 and raises the cap on Section 179 expensing. OTHER: - Attended Rep. Smucker and Rep. Kelly's roundtable on the importance of extending Section 199A. - Met with PA delegation offices to discuss need to extend certain TCJA provisions and pass a comprehensive tax package in 2025 to provide farmers and ranchers economic stability. - Asked PFB members to complete PFB's advocacy email asking their legislator to support S.1706/H.R.4721 (see description above).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform.

PROP 12: - Asked to oppose California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts' Question 3. Discussed harmful impacts of regulations like Prop 12 and Question 3 that force arbitrary and unscientific growing practices on other states causing a patchwork of different regulations across state lines which in turn impacts Interstate Commerce. - Asked to support Section 12007 of H.R.8467 otherwise known as farm bill. Section 12007 would be a legislative fix to Prop 12 and Question 3 by establishing USDA and FDA as the national standard for food that can be moved between state lines. Meaning, CA and MA have every right to implement those growing practices for their states' producers and within their state, but Interstate Commerce does not allow for them to force other states' producers to adapt to these growing practices if they want to sell to CA or MA. - Had several conversations with legislators and staff on Prop 12 and the need to find a fix in farm bill. OTHER: - Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement and Mexico banning imports of U.S. bio-tech corn, which both dramatically impact trade exports.

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Encouraged Congress to modernize the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act before banning certain foreign entities from investing in the U.S. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, which would add the USDA Secretary to CFIUS and require them to report certain transactions involving certain countries or their citizens to CFIUS. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.168/H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, which would prohibit persons who are acting on behalf of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea from purchasing or investing in U.S. agricultural land and companies.

General advocacy for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc). Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition to EPA's proposed Vehicle Emission Standards (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.6951, the College Cost Reduction Act, which would through many ways reduce the cost of higher education. PFB's sole and really only reason why we supported it was due to the bill including S.1237/H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. S.1237/H.R.1250 would revert the recent changes to FAFSA that now requires applicants to report their assets versus their income. This change has put farms and small businesses at a significant disadvantage. - H.R.4565, the All Children Are Equal (ACE) Act, would eliminate the number weighting system used to distribute Title I grants to ensure that school districts are treated equally based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population. - H.R. 7731, the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act, which would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Education to help CTE schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. - H.R.2728, the Young Farmer Success Act, which would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1237/H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education. - S.4297/H.R.8147, the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act, which would repeal the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). - S.3625/H.R.5119, the Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act, which would extend the deadline for companies to report certain beneficial ownership information to the Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - - S.1016/H.R.1840, the Agriculture Resilience Act, which would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. - EPA's rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law. OTHER: - General advocacy promoting farmers and ranchers' conservation efforts on ag operations as a way to express that more environmental regulations in production ag is not necessary.

FARM BILL: - Asked House and Senate Members to support S.5335, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024 and H.R.8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act otherwise known as farm bill. - Asked PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking for their legislator to pass a farm bill ASAP and include a legislative fix to Prop 12. - Worked with AFBF on securing votes for farm bill by communicating how conversations went during meetings with legislators and/or staff. - Met with PA delegation's offices to discuss farm bill and a legislative fix to Prop 12. Discussed need to be passed on time and Farm Bureau priorities. Listened to legislators' concerns with farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. See Section 24 - Trade - of this report for information on lobbying efforts for Prop 12. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.5321, the Farm Ownership Improvement Act, which would require USDA to implement a pre-qualification or pre-approval process for all farmers and ranchers seeking FSA Direct Farm Ownership loans. - S.4168/H.R.4838, the Specialty Crop Security Act, which would increase USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program authorization from $85 to $100 million per year and expand opportunities for specialty crop stakeholders to provide input into how program funding is used by state departments of agriculture. - S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act, which would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. - S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, which would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. - S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. - S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.2614/H.R.8488, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. - H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act, which would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.2371/H.R.3139, the ACRE Act, which would exclude from the gross income of certain financial lending institutions, for income tax purposes, interest received on loans secured by rural or agricultural real estate. - S.5101, the Farmer Driven Conservation Outcomes Act, which would authorize USDA to measure, assess, and report on the outcomes associated with its conservation programs. - S.4219/H.R.8210, the Future Farmers and Ranchers of Tomorrow Act, which would revise USDAs qualified beginning farmer or rancher definition to allow non-related beginning farmers and ranchers in joint entities to be eligible for FSA loans. - S.1842/H.R.6687, the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, which would would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of animal food additives. - S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act, which would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. - H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act, which would require USDA to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. OTHER: - Reviewed FWS' proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly as an endangered species (Docket #: FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137-0001). Expressed concerns to legislators over the impact this will have on agriculture. Worked with PFB members to comply information for comments. - Sent election congrats letters to PA House and Senate Members and started the conversation of 119th Congressional priorities. - Reviewed the following rulemakings from USDA and shared AFBF's comments with PA's delegation for: Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0046); Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-22-0046); Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0044); and Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0045). - Advocacy work on the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). Reviewed USDA's proposed final decision for the FMMOs (Docket #: AMS-DA-23-0031) and emailed PA House and Senate Members with PFB's position to not take a stand to allow for a fair referendum process. Specifically, supported a switchback either by USDA or Congress for the higher of in Class I milk. Additionally, asked Congress Members to support requiring mandatory audited surveying for make allowance changes in the FMMOs. - Advocacy work on increasing the availability and affordability of rural childcare. - Reviewed Chevron Deference case to determine the impact it will have on ag. Supported SCOTUS' decision. Signed onto coalition letter to President Biden to urge suspension of regulatory activity until they review the Loper decision.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, which would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. - S.1427, the Agriculture PFAs Liability Protection Act, which would exempt farming from any PFAS liability. - S.747/H.R.1517, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.269/H.R.5085, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act, which would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. - EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. OTHER: - Monitored EPA's insecticide strategy (Docket #:EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0299). - Monitored EPA's Workplan to Protect Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides. - Monitored EPA's proposed interim decision for mancozeb (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0291) - Advocacy in general to encourage legislators to support pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, etc. labeling that is scientifically sound.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1669/H.R.3413, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. - S.719/H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act, which would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. - S.720/H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, which would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. NEUTRAL/MONTIORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.9263, the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act, which would establish a new tax credit for investment in any innovative agricultural technology projects. OTHER: - Asked PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking their legislator to support S.1669/H.R.3413 (see description above). - Advocated for Congressional Members to have close oversight of the funding in the allocations of the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development Program. - General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4708, the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which would codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. - H.R.3516, the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA), which would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. OTHER: - Expressed to PA delegation concerns over DHS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase fees for H-2B and H-2A non-immigrant visa programs and institutes a $600 Asylum Program Fee on every petition (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010). - Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau has concerns about mandatory e-verify in H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act, which is a large comprehensive immigration bill proposed by the House GOP.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.3580, the Restore the CSP Act, which would reauthorize the USDA-National Resource Conservation Services Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) back to 2014 Farm Bill funding levels by taking conservation dollars authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and repurposing them to the 2023 Farm Bill baseline for CSP.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, which would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. - S.1427, the Agriculture PFAs Liability Protection Act, which would exempt farming from any PFAS liability. - S.747/H.R.1517, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.269/H.R.5085, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act, which would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. - EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. OTHER: - Signed onto coalition letter to ask for a comment extension request on EPA's insecticide strategy (Docket #:EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0299). Asked PFB members to sign onto individual sign on letter to express concerns on EPA's insecticide strategy. Signed onto coalition letter to EPA raising concerns over their insecticide strategy. - Signed onto letter to EPA to ask them to engage with stakeholders to discuss improvements to its Endangered Species Act (ESA) risk assessment process. - Asked PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email to their legislator raising concerns of the impacts of PFAS on farms. - Advocacy in general to encourage legislators to support pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, etc. labeling that is scientifically sound.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1669/H.R.3413, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. - S.719/H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act, which would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. - S.720/H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, which would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. NEUTRAL/MONTIORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.9263, the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act, which would establish a new tax credit for investment in any innovative agricultural technology projects. OTHER: - Asked PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking their legislator to support S.1669/H.R.3413 (see description above). - Advocated for Congressional Members to have close oversight of the funding in the allocations of the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development Program. - General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4565, the All Children Are Equal (ACE) Act, would eliminate the number weighting system used to distribute Title I grants to ensure that school districts are treated equally based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population. - H.R. 7731, the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act, which would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Education to help CTE schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. - H.R.2728, the Young Farmer Success Act, which would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

General advocacy opposing EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" - Conforming" (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0346). The Agencies did not take the opportunity after the Supreme Court decision to properly clarify vagueness in the rule. Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114) to House and Senate Members. Participated in calls with agricultural stakeholders on EPA's Animal Agriculture Water Quality Advisory Subcommittee.

Raised concerns over the California Air Resources Board (CARB)'s Clean Air Act Authorization Request regarding locomotives. (Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0574)

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1666/H.R.3419, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.Res.588, which would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. - S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, which would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs. These are programs overseen by USDA to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - H.R.945, the Strengthening Local Processing Act, which would increase the federal cost share for state facility inspections from 50 to 65% and for Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) facilities from 60 to 80%, thus encouraging more states to operate state inspection programs and participate in CIS. - S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. - S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. OTHER: - Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.3580, the Restore the CSP Act, which would reauthorize the USDA-National Resource Conservation Services Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) back to 2014 Farm Bill funding levels by taking conservation dollars authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and repurposing them to the 2023 Farm Bill baseline for CSP.

FY 25 APPROPS: - Monitored fiscal year 2025 appropriations. - Specifically paid close attention to S.4690/H.R.9027, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025. This bill deals with funding levels for USDA, FDA, and impacts Farm Bureau members' operations. - Specifically paid close attention to H.R.8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025. This bill deals with funding levels for EPA and Interior which impacts Farm Bureau members' operations. - Asked House members to support Sections 118 and 119 of H.R.9029, the Labor, HHS, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025. Sections 118 and 119 include a two-year Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) freeze at January 2023 levels and rescinds the 2023 wage disaggregation rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006).

PROP 12: - Asked to oppose California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts' Question 3. Discussed harmful impacts of regulations like Prop 12 and Question 3 that force arbitrary and unscientific growing practices on other states causing a patchwork of different regulations across state lines which in turn impacts Interstate Commerce. - Asked to support Section 12007 of H.R.8467 otherwise known as farm bill. Section 12007 would be a legislative fix to Prop 12 and Question 3 by establishing USDA and FDA as the national standard for food that can be moved between state lines. Meaning, CA and MA have every right to implement those growing practices for their states' producers and within their state, but Interstate Commerce does not allow for them to force other states' producers to adapt to these growing practices if they want to sell to CA or MA. - Had several conversations with legislators and staff on Prop 12 and the need to find a fix in farm bill. OTHER: - Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement and Mexico banning imports of U.S. bio-tech corn, which both dramatically impact trade exports.

General advocacy to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4708, the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which would codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. - H.R.3516, the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA), which would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. OTHER: - Expressed to PA delegation concerns over DHS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase fees for H-2B and H-2A non-immigrant visa programs and institutes a $600 Asylum Program Fee on every petition (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010). - Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau has concerns about mandatory e-verify in H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act, which is a large comprehensive immigration bill proposed by the House GOP.

Asked Senator Fetterman's for any help in stopping PennDOT from taking prime farmland via eminent domain for the 322 Connector Project. General advocacy for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc). Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition to EPA's proposed Vehicle Emission Standards (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.3848/H.R.7046, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. - H.J.Res.134/H.J.Res.135, the Congressional Review Act disapproving of DOL's "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States" rule (Docket #: ETA-2023-0003). Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns of DOL's Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.2253/H.R.4579, the Fairness for Farm Workers Act, which would require employers to compensate agricultural workers for hours worked in excess of their regular hours (i.e., 55 hours in 2022, 50 hours in 2023, 45 hours in 2024, and 40 hours in 2025) at not less than one and one-half times the employee's regular rate. This would essentially remove the agricultural exemption from the overtime requirements of the FLSA. - DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which would increase H-2A employers' cost even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4069, the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which would be a comprehensive reform to the H-2A program. OTHER: - Asked members to complete PFB's advocacy email asking House and Senate members to cosponsor S.3848/H.R.7046 (see description above). - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees.

ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - - S.1016/H.R.1840, the Agriculture Resilience Act, which would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. - EPA's rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law. OTHER: - General advocacy promoting farmers and ranchers' conservation efforts on ag operations as a way to express that more environmental regulations in production ag is not necessary.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. - S.3693/H.R.7130, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - S.3584/H.R.6945, the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) - Certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform.

General advocacy for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices.

FARM BILL: - Asked House Members to support H.R.8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act otherwise known as farm bill. - Encouraged Senate Members to ask Chairwoman Stabenow to release text. - Listened to Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman speak at an AFBF conference on the status of farm bill in the Senate and the strategy moving forward. - Addressed concerns over Title IV - Nutrition - of H.R. 8467 otherwise known as farm bill. - Asked PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking for their legislator to pass a farm bill ASAP and include a legislative fix to Prop 12. - Worked with AFBF on securing votes for farm bill by communicating how conversations went during meetings with legislators and/or staff. - Met with PA delegation's offices to discuss farm bill and a legislative fix to Prop 12. Discussed need to be passed on time and Farm Bureau priorities. Listened to legislators' concerns with farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. See Section 24 - Trade - of this report for information on lobbying efforts for Prop 12. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting farm bill in August. - Asked PA House Republican delegation to sign onto Dear Colleague letter to House Leadership asking them to bring farm bill to the floor. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - No bill # yet, the Farm Ownership Improvement Act, which would require USDA to implement a pre-qualification or pre-approval process for all farmers and ranchers seeking FSA Direct Farm Ownership loans. - S.4168/H.R.4838, the Specialty Crop Security Act, which would increase USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program authorization from $85 to $100 million per year and expand opportunities for specialty crop stakeholders to provide input into how program funding is used by state departments of agriculture. - S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act, which would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. - S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, which would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. - S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. - S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.2614/H.R.8488, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. - H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act, which would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.2371/H.R.3139, the ACRE Act, which would exclude from the gross income of certain financial lending institutions, for income tax purposes, interest received on loans secured by rural or agricultural real estate. - S.5101, the Farmer Driven Conservation Outcomes Act, which would authorize USDA to measure, assess, and report on the outcomes associated with its conservation programs. - S.4219/H.R.8210, the Future Farmers and Ranchers of Tomorrow Act, which would revise USDAs qualified beginning farmer or rancher definition to allow non-related beginning farmers and ranchers in joint entities to be eligible for FSA loans. - S.1842/H.R.6687, the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, which would would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of animal food additives. - S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act, which would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. - H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act, which would require USDA to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. OTHER: - Reviewed the following rulemakings from USDA: Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0046); Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-22-0046); Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0044); and Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0045). - Advocacy work on the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). Reviewed USDA's Recommended Decision for the FMMOs (Docket #: AMS-DA-23-0031). Specifically, supported a switchback either by USDA or Congress for the higher of in Class I milk. Additionally, asked Congress Members to support requiring mandatory audited surveying for make allowance changes in the FMMOs. - Reviewed Chevron Deference case to determine the impact it will have on ag. Supported SCOTUS' decision. Signed onto coalition letter to President Biden to urge suspension of regulatory activity until they review the Loper decision. - Emailed Meuser's office that PFB supports Land O Lakes conservation project. - Reviewed Secretary Vilsack's response letter to Rep. Deluzio's meat processing consolidation letter as a result of a roundtable with Beaver/Lawrence County FB.

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Encouraged Congress to modernize the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act before banning certain foreign entities from investing in the U.S. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, which would add the USDA Secretary to CFIUS and require them to report certain transactions involving certain countries or their citizens to CFIUS. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.168/H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, which would prohibit persons who are acting on behalf of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea from purchasing or investing in U.S. agricultural land and companies.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1669/H.R.3413, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. - S.719/H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act, which would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. - S.720/H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, which would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. OTHER: - Signed onto coalition list of supporters for S.1669/H.R.3413 (see description above). - Advocated for Congressional Members to have close oversight of the funding in the allocations of the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development Program. - General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, which would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. - S.1427, the Agriculture PFAs Liability Protection Act, which would exempt farming from any PFAS liability. - S.747/H.R.1517, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.269/H.R.5085, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act, which would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. - EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. OTHER: - Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email to Congress raising concerns of the impacts of PFAS on farms. - Advocacy in general to encourage legislators to support pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, etc. labeling that is scientifically sound.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1706/H.R.4721, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make permanent the 20% deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). - S.1108/H.R.7035, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would Would repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. It also makes conforming amendments related to the gift tax. - H.R.4937, the Preserving Family Farms Act, which would modernize Section 2032A Special Use Valuation by increasing the amount of farmland that can be valued for farming operations rather than development value. - H.R.7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Specifically, it would extend 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive to 2023, through the end of 2025 and raises the cap on Section 179 expensing. OTHER: - Worked on getting supporters of H.R.4721 to speak at a Section 199A roundtable hosted by Representative Smucker in August.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: S.3848/H.R.7046, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. H.J.Res.134/H.J.Res.135, the Congressional Review Act disapproving of DOL's "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States" rule. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which would increase H-2A employers' cost even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4069, the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which would be a comprehensive reform to the H-2A program. OTHER: - Asked members to complete PFB's advocacy email asking House and Senate members to cosponsor S.3848/H.R.7046 (see description above). - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009-0001). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. - Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns of DOL's Notice of Proposed Rule Making entitled Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States (Docket #: ETA-2023-0003).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4708, the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which would codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. - H.R.3516, the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA), which would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. OTHER: - Expressed to PA delegation concerns over DHS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase fees for H-2B and H-2A non-immigrant visa programs and institutes a $600 Asylum Program Fee on every petition (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010). - Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau has concerns about mandatory e-verify in H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act, which is a large comprehensive immigration bill proposed by the House GOP.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1237/H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education. - S.4297/H.R.8147, the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act, which would repeal the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). - S.3625/H.R.5119, the Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act, which would extend the deadline for companies to report certain beneficial ownership information to the Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). OTHER: - Signed onto letter to Senator Tuberville and Representative Davidson endorsing S.4297/H.R.8147 (see above for description).

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.3580, the Restore the CSP Act, which would reauthorize the USDA-National Resource Conservation Services Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) back to 2014 Farm Bill funding levels by taking conservation dollars authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and repurposing them to the 2023 Farm Bill baseline for CSP.

ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - - S.1016/H.R.1840, the Agriculture Resilience Act, which would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. - EPA's rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law. OTHER: - General advocacy promoting farmers and ranchers' conservation efforts on ag operations as a way to express that more environmental regulations in production ag is not necessary.

Had multiple discussions with PA House and Senate Members on East Palestine, OH train derailment and how to prevent future scenarios with the rails. Since it was so close to the PA border, some ag producers were affected by the derailment. Signed onto stakeholder letter to EPA urge Administrator Regan to deny the California Air Resources Board (CARB)'s Clean Air Act Authorization Request regarding locomotives. (Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0574) Endorsed the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act, which would amend the National Trails Act to strengthen landowner protections as recreational trails are considered for approval along these abandoned easements. The bill has yet to be introduced.

General advocacy to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform. OTHER: - Signed onto letter to DOE to urge them to host in person field hearings in every state containing the proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) to receive landowner feedback (Docket #: 2024-10251)

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1666/H.R.3419, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.Res.588, which would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. - S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, which would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs. These are programs overseen by USDA to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. - S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. OTHER: - Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. - Signed onto New York Farm Bureau letter to USDA addressing H5N1 concerns otherwise known as HPAI in dairy cattle.

General advocacy opposing EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" - Conforming" (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0346). The Agencies did not take the opportunity after the Supreme Court decision to properly clarify vagueness in the rule. Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114) to House and Senate Members. Participated in calls with agricultural stakeholders on EPA's Animal Agriculture Water Quality Advisory Subcommittee.

FARM BILL: - Asked House Members to support H.R.8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act otherwise known as farm bill. - Monitored, tracked, and gave positions when asked on amendments during the markup of H.R.8467 on May 23. - Encouraged Senate Members to ask Chairwoman Stabenow to release text. - Listened to Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman speak at an AFBF conference on the status of farm bill in the Senate and the strategy moving forward. - Signed onto coalition letter that supported the sugar program changes in H.R.8467 otherwise known as farm bill. - Addressed concerns over Title IV - Nutrition - of H.R. 8467 otherwise known as farm bill. - Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking for Congress to pass a farm bill ASAP and include a legislative fix to Prop 12. - Worked with AFBF on securing votes for farm bill by communicating how conversations went during meetings with legislators and/or staff. - President Hoffman met with PA delegation on May 8 primarily talking about farm bill and to include a legislative fix to Prop 12. Discussed need to be passed on time and Farm Bureau priorities. Listened to legislators' concerns with farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. See Section 24 - Trade - of this report for information on lobbying efforts for Prop 12. - Bailey Fisher also met with legislator's staff throughout the quarter to discuss farm bill priorities and Prop 12. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.4168/H.R.4838, the Specialty Crop Security Act, which would increase USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program authorization from $85 to $100 million per year and expand opportunities for specialty crop stakeholders to provide input into how program funding is used by state departments of agriculture. - S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act, which would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. - S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, which would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. - S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. - S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.2614/H.R.8488, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. - H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act, which would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4219/H.R.8210, the Future Farmers and Ranchers of Tomorrow Act, which would revise USDAs qualified beginning farmer or rancher definition to allow non-related beginning farmers and ranchers in joint entities to be eligible for FSA loans. - S.1842/H.R.6687, the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, which would would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of animal food additives. - S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act, which would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. - H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act, which would require USDA to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. OTHER: - Attended Representative Deluzio's agricultural roundtable to discuss PFB priorities (farm bill, Prop 12, ag labor reform, whole milk in schools, etc.) - Attended Representative Wild's agricultural roundtable to discuss PFB priorities (farm bill, Prop 12, ag labor reform, whole milk in schools, etc.) - Reviewed the following rulemakings from USDA: Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0046); Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-22-0046); Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0044); and Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0045). - Emailed Representative Meuser's office that PFB is supportive of a Congressional letter to urge USDA to weigh the interests of our mushroom industry very heavily in their consideration of new organics standards. - Had discussions with AFBF about taking a position on the Organic Imports Verification Act. The bill has yet to be introduced. - Emailed letter to RMA asking for PA to have the opportunity for double crop soybean insurance. - Emailed Representative Kelly's office that PFB is neutral on a bill that would help producers doing vertical farming due to the absence of policy. - Advocacy work on the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). Specifically, supported a switchback either by USDA or Congress for the higher of in Class I milk. Additionally, asked Congress Members to support requiring mandatory audited surveying for make allowance changes in the FMMOs.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4565, the All Children Are Equal (ACE) Act, would eliminate the number weighting system used to distribute Title I grants to ensure that school districts are treated equally based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population. - H.R. 7731, the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act, which would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Education to help CTE schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. - H.R.2728, the Young Farmer Success Act, which would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

FY 25 APPROPS: - Monitored fiscal year 2025 appropriations. - Specifically paid close attention to S.4690/H.R.9027, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025. This bill deals with funding levels for USDA, FDA, and impacts Farm Bureau members' operations. - Emailed PA delegation AFBF's statement for S.4690/H.R.9027. - Asked House members to support Sections 118 and 119 of H.R.9029, the Labor, HHS, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025. Sections 118 and 119 include a two-year Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) freeze at January 2023 levels and rescinds the 2023 wage disaggregation rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006). - Asked House Members to sign onto Representative Huizenga's letter to Approps leadership supporting a H-2A wage freeze in FY25 approps.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. - H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. - S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act, which would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. - S.3693/H.R.7130, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act, which would ensure plant protein imitation meat/poultry and cell-cultured protein is accurately labeled. - S.3584/H.R.6945, the Consistent Egg Labels Act, which would create a standard of identity for eggs to ensure plant based eggs are accurately labeled. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) - Certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

General advocacy for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc). Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition to EPA's proposed Vehicle Emission Standards (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829).

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Specifically, S.168/H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, which would prohibit persons who are acting on behalf of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea from purchasing or investing in U.S. agricultural land and companies. Encouraged Congress to modernize the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act before banning certain foreign entities from investing in the U.S.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, which would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. - S.1427, the Agriculture PFAs Liability Protection Act, which would exempt farming from any PFAS liability. - S.747/H.R.1517, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.269/H.R.5085, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act, which would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. - EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. OTHER: - Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email to Congress raising concerns of the impacts of PFAS on farms. - Signed onto letter to House and Senate Approps leadership regarding FIFRA Labeling related to Interior Appropriations Sec. 461. - Signed onto letter to EPA addressing concerns over court's decision on dicamba products. - Signed onto letter to Approps leadership supporting several pesticide-related appropriations asks in the FY25 Interior approps bills. - Signed onto letter to EPA regarding existing stock order on OTT dicamba.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1237/H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education. - S.3625/H.R.5119, the Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act, which would extend the deadline for companies to report certain beneficial ownership information to the Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). OTHER: - Signed onto letter to Senate Banking leadership asking to support S.3625, the Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.391/H.R.1018, the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act, which would prohibit the SEC from requiring ag producers to report their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. The Protect Farmers from the SEC Act was introduced in response to the SEC's March 2022 proposed "The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors" rule (File #: S7-10-22), which would require farmers to report their scope 3 emissions to the SEC. Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's S.391/H.R.1018's advocacy email to send to their legislator asking them for support. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - - S.1016/H.R.1840, the Agriculture Resilience Act, which would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. - EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law. ACTIVITIES RELATED TO SEC'S CLIMATE RELATED DISCLOSURES RULE: - Discussed consequences of Scope 3 being included in the SEC's proposed climate related disclosures rule with Senator Fetterman's banking and agriculture staff. Also, lobbied their office to get the Senator signed onto Senator Tester's (D-MI) addressing these concerns. - When final rule was published, Farm Bureau was successful in their advocacy efforts and the SEC excluded Scope 3 from the final rule. PFB published a news release thanking members and legislators for their efforts on the issue. OTHER: - General advocacy promoting farmers and ranchers' conservation efforts on ag operations as a way to express that more environmental regulations in production ag is not necessary. - Advocated PA House Members to sign onto letter to EPA Administrator Regan regarding concerns around the EPA's ESA strategies.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1706/H.R.4721, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make permanent the 20% deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). - S.1108/H.R.7035, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would Would repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. It also makes conforming amendments related to the gift tax. - H.R.4937, the Preserving Family Farms Act, which would modernize Section 2032A Special Use Valuation by increasing the amount of farmland that can be valued for farming operations rather than development value. - H.R.7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Specifically, it would extend 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive to 2023, through the end of 2025 and raises the cap on Section 179 expensing.

General advocacy opposing EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" - Conforming" (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0346). The Agencies did not take the opportunity after the Supreme Court decision to properly clarify vagueness in the rule. Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114) to House and Senate Members. Had discussions with PA Congressional Members on the proposed settlement for Chesapeake Bay Foundation's lawsuit against EPA for apparent PA pollution in the Bay. PFB's main message was that farmers are already implementing innovative conservation practices on their land via local conservation district funding.

Monitored fiscal year 2024 budget negotiations and appropriation bills (H.R.4366 and H.R.2882). Specifically paid close attention to H.R.4366, which was the minibus that included agriculture. This bill deals with funding levels for USDA, FDA, and impacts Farm Bureau members' operations. Advocated for Congress to pass a budget so that farm bill negotiations can start.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform.

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Specifically, S.168/H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, which would prohibit persons who are acting on behalf of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea from purchasing or investing in U.S. agricultural land and companies.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1669/H.R.3413, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. - S.719/H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act, which would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. - S.720/H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, which would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. OTHER: Advocated for Congressional Members to have close oversight of the funding in the allocations of the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development Program. General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

General advocacy to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.2019/H.R.4417, the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, which would prohibit other states and local units of government from regulating the preharvest production of agricultural products in other jurisdictions. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - California's Proposition 12. Discussed harmful impacts of prop 12 with PA House and Senate Members to work on legislative fix to prop 12. OTHER: Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement and Mexico banning imports of U.S. bio-tech corn, which both dramatically impact trade exports.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.3580, the Restore the CSP Act, which would reauthorize the USDA-National Resource Conservation Services Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) back to 2014 Farm Bill funding levels by taking conservation dollars authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and repurposing them to the 2023 Farm Bill baseline for CSP.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4565, the All Children Are Equal (ACE) Act, would eliminate the number weighting system used to distribute Title I grants to ensure that school districts are treated equally based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population. - H.R.(no bill #), the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act, which would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Education to help CTE schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. - H.R.2728, the Young Farmer Success Act, which would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1666/H.R.3419, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.Res.588, which would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. - S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. - S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, which would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs. These are programs overseen by USDA to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. OTHER: Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. - Informed Hill staffers that PFB is supportive of Rep. Clyde's letter to protect poultry farmers from unfair trade restrictions - namely from China - due to WOAHs outdated definition of poultry. - Participated in prop 12 roundtable led by Chairman "GT" Thompson with other House Members.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: S.874/H.R.3308, the Farm Operations Support Act, which would freeze the 2023 AEWR until 2025 and revert it to January 2023 levels. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which would increase H-2A employers' cost even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. OTHER: - Advocated to get PA House Members signed onto Representative Bill Huizenga's letter to Appropriations asking for a multi-year freeze of the AEWR. - Advocated to get PA Senate Members signed onto Senator Tuberville's letter asking to freeze the AEWR. - Advocated to get PA Senate Members signed onto Senator Crapo's letter asking to freeze the AEWR and to be an original co-sponsor of Senator Tillis' Supporting Farm Operations Act. - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009-0001). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns of DOL's Notice of Proposed Rule Making entitled Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States (Docket #: ETA-2023-0003). Had conversations with Chairman Thompson's staff about the goals of the House Ag Farm Labor Working Group.

FARM BILL: - Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on farm bill. - Discussed need to be passed on time, supporting a one-year extension, Farm Bureau priorities. - Listened to legislators' concerns with farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. - Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking for Congress to pass a farm bill ASAP and include a legislative fix to prop 12. - President Hoffman met with PA delegation on 2/6, 2/7, and 2/8 primarily talking about farm bill and to include a legislative fix to prop 12. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act, which would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. - S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, which would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. - S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. - S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.2614, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. - H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act, which would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.1842/H.R.6687, the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of animal food additives. - Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act, which would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. - Monitored H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act, which would require USDA to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. OTHER: - Drafted letter to RMA asking for PA to have the opportunity for double crop soybean insurance. - Signed onto letter to USDA asking for an emergency authorization to return the higher of for Class I milk pricing.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - H.R.4708, the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which would codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. - H.R.3516, the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA), which would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. OTHER: Expressed to PA House and Senate Members concerns over DHS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase fees for H-2B and H-2A non-immigrant visa programs and institutes a $600 Asylum Program Fee on every petition (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010). Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau has concerns about mandatory e-verify in H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act, which is a large comprehensive immigration bill proposed by the House GOP.

General advocacy for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc). Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition to EPA's proposed Vehicle Emission Standards (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829).

Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) and Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Jared Golden (D-ME). This bill would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act by Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Representatives John Rose (R-TN) and Darren Soto (D-FL). This bill would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.Res.588 by Representatives Barry Moore (R-AL) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI). This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Dina Titus (D-NV). This bill would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Mark Alford (R-MO). This bill would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.J.Res.24/H.J.Res.49 by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). The bill would nullify the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat. Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. Monitored S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). This bill would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.1016/H.R.1840, the Agriculture Resilience Act by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Ann Kuster (D-NH). This bill would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.391/H.R.1018, the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03). This bill would prohibit the SEC from requiring ag producers to report their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. The Protect Farmers from the SEC Act was introduced in response to the SEC's proposed climate related disclosures rule (File #: S7-10-22) in March 2022. PFB also lobbied Congressional Members to oppose the SEC's rule. Specifically, PFB asked Congressional Members if they were going to support the rule to at least support a Scope 3 exemption. Had meetings with Senator Fetterman's banking and agriculture staff on consequences of Scope 3 being included in the SEC's proposed climate related disclosures rule. Also, lobbied their office to get the Senator signed onto Senator Tester's (D-MI) addressing these concerns. Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's S.391/H.R.1018's advocacy email to send to their legislator asking them for support. Signed onto letter opposing Draft Herbicide Strategy Framework to Reduce Exposure of Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species and Designated Critical Habitats from the Use of Conventional Agricultural Herbicides Informed PA House and Senate Members that AFBF signed onto letter concerning ERP shortfalls to USDA Secretary Vilsack and asked for Congressional Members' support. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law.

Asked PA House Members to support H.R.4565, the All Children Are Equal (ACE) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). This bill would eliminate the number weighting system used to distribute Title I grants to ensure that school districts are treated equally based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population. Asked PA House Member to support H.R.(no bill #), the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO Ag) Act by Representative GT Thompson (R-PA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). This bill would create a $5 million grant program within the Department of Education to help CTE schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.2728, the Young Farmer Success Act by Representatives "GT" Thompson (R-PA) and Joe Courtney (D-CT). This bill would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1706/H.R.4721, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA). This would make permanent the 20-percent deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). Signed onto letter by National Association of Manufacturers to House and Senate leadership asking that they take immediate action to seamlessly extend three tax policies vital to workers and Americas future: immediate R&D expensing, a pro-growth interest deductibility standard and full expensing.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1669/H.R.3413, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Thomas Kean (R-NJ). This bill would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.719/H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04). This bill would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.720/H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02). The bill would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. Asked PA House and Senate Members to have close oversight of the funding in the allocations of the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development Program. General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

General lobbying for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.874/H.R.3308, the Farm Operations Support Act by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Thomas Tillis (R-NC) and Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI-08). This bill would freeze the 2023 AEWR and revert it to the December 2022 rate. Lobbied to get PA House Members signed onto Representative Bill Huizenga's (R-MI) letter to Appropriations asking for a multi-year freeze of the AEWR. Asked PA Senators to sign onto Senator Hyde-Smith's letter requesting comment extension periods for the DOL and DHS worker protection rules. Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's 12/15 letter to Congressional leadership asking for an AEWR freeze and for Congress to rescind DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006). Had discussions with other state Farm Bureaus and AFBF on strategies to achieve significant ag labor reform with a heavy emphasis on working to freeze the AEWR. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.J.Res.25/H.J.Res.59, the Congressional Review Act Disapproval of DOLs rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006) to change the methodology for how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is calculated. The CRA is being led by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) and Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ralph Norman (R-SC-05). This would nullify DOL's rule to change the methodology of how the AEWR is calculated. Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009-0001). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns of DOL's Notice of Proposed Rule Making entitled Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States (Docket No. ETA-2023-0003). Signed onto Ag Workforce Coalition's letters asking DHS and DOL to extend comment period for two proposed rulemakings: Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections and Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States. Had conversations with Chairman Thompson's staff about the goals of the House Ag Farm Labor Working Group.

Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.4708, the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act by Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX). This bill would codify codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.3516, the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA) by Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC-01). This bill would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. Expressed to PA House and Senate Members concerns over DHS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase fees for H-2B and H-2A non-immigrant visa programs and institutes a $600 Asylum Program Fee on every petition (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010). Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau has concerns about mandatory e-verify in H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26).

General lobbying asks for better rural infrastructure - including rural roadways and bridges. Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition to EPA's proposed Vehicle Emission Standards (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829).

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Specifically, S.168/H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21).

Monitored fiscal year 2024 budget negotiations. Specifically paid close attention to H.R.4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. This bill deals with funding levels for USDA, FDA, and impacts Farm Bureau members' operations.

Asked PA House Members to support H.R.4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD-at large) and Jim Costa (D-CA-21). This bill would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1427, the Agriculture PFAs Liability Protection Act by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and John Boozman (R-AR). This bill would exempt farming from any PFAS liability. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.269/H.R.5085, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative James McGovern (D-MA). The bill would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.747/H.R.1517, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME). This bill would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1237/H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). The bill would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education. Asked PA House Members to support S.2623/H.R.4035, the Protecting Small Business Information Act by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Thomas Tillis (R-NC) and Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Deborah Ross (D-NC). This bill would delay the Corporate Transparency Acts January 1, 2024, effective date.

Lobbied to oppose EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of Waters of the U.S." rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602). Lobbied in support of the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA. Opposed EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" - Conforming" (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0346). Explained to PA House and Senate Members that the Agencies did not take the opportunity after the Supreme Court decision to properly clarify vagueness in the rule. Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114) to House and Senate Members. Had discussions with PA Congressional Members on the proposed settlement for Chesapeake Bay Foundation's lawsuit against EPA for apparent PA pollution in the Bay. PFB's main message was that farmers are already implementing innovative conservation practices on their land via local conservation district funding.

Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on the 2023 Farm Bill. Discussed need to be passed on time, supporting a one-year extension, Farm Bureau priorities (AFBF, PFB, and Northeast state Farm Bureaus), and listened to legislators' current concerns with provisions in the farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT) and Chrissy Houlahan (R-PA). This bill would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR). This bill would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA). This bill would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA). This bill would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) and Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN). This bill would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives James Baird (R-IN) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. Asked PA Senate Members to support S.2614, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). This bill would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ). This bill would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Ann Kuster (D-NH). This bill would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act by Representatives Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI). This bill would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. Monitored H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and James McGovern (D-MA). Worked on testimony for PFB at USDA's federal milk marketing orders hearing. Had discussions with AFBF on what to include in PFB's testimony for the federal milk marketing orders. Conducted Hill visits with President Hoffman on 10/24, 10/25, 12/11, and 12/14 primarily talking about farm bill and proposition 12. President Hoffman met with Representative "GT" Thompson and Region 3 EPA Administrator on 12/21 to discuss current environmental issues impacting agriculture.

Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, by Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA-1). This bill would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform.

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1957/H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). This bill would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's advocacy email to their legislator asking them to vote yay for the H.R.1147 floor vote on 12/13. Sent thank you letters from President Hoffman to PA House Members who voted yay in H.R. 1147's floor vote on 12/13. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. Opposed to FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13). This bill would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy emails to their legislator asking them to co-sponsor. Opposed certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001). Discussed with Sen. Fetterman's office about when Consistent Egg Labels Act would be introduced. This bill would enforce a standard of identity for eggs.

General lobbying to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms. Monitored appropriation bills for FY24 budget.

General lobbying to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms.

Had multiple discussions with PA House and Senate Members on East Palestine, OH train derailment and how to prevent future scenarios with the rails. Since it was so close to the PA border, some ag producers were affected by the derailment.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1706/H.R.4721, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA). This would make permanent the 20-percent deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). Drafted statement of support from President Hoffman for H.R.4721.

Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on the 2023 Farm Bill. Discussed need to be passed on time, Farm Bureau priorities (AFBF, PFB, and Northeast state Farm Bureaus), and listened to legislators' current concerns with provisions in the farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. Testified at a federal farm bill hearing hosted by PA House and Senate Ag. Chairman Thompson and Ag Committee staff were present to hear PFB's farm bill asks. Listened to Chairman Thompson's Farm Bill Listening Session at the Allentown Fair. Op-ed was published written by President Hoffman on nutrition access in farm bill. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT) and Chrissy Houlahan (R-PA). This bill would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR). This bill would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA). This bill would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA). This bill would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY). This bill would initiate a Federal Order Hearing within 180 days in addition to giving USDA the needed authority to cost survey dairy product manufacturers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) and Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN). This bill would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. Signed onto letter supporting S.2458/H.R.3904. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives James Baird (R-IN) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. Asked PA Senate Members to support S.2614, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). This bill would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. Signed onto letter supporting S.2614. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ). This bill would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Ann Kuster (D-NH). This bill would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) and Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Jared Golden (D-ME). This bill would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. Worked on testimony for PFB at USDA's federal milk marketing orders hearing. Had discussions with AFBF on what to include in PFB's testimony for the federal milk marketing orders. Conducted Hill visits with President Hoffman the week of July 10th, primarily talking about farm bill. Conducted a fly-in visit on September 13 and 14th with PFB members to visits with their legislators and advocate for PFB's priorities: farm bill, dairy, waters of the U.S., ag labor, PFAS, and sustainability. Asked PA House Members to sign onto Representative Jackson's letter to Secretary Vilsack regarding USDA's delay in distributing the disaster assistance funds that were appropriated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2022 crop losses.

Asked PA House Members to support H.R.4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD-at large) and Jim Costa (D-CA-21). This bill would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.269/H.R.5085, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative James McGovern (D-MA). The bill would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.747/H.R.1517, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME). This bill would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. Reviewed EPA's draft Herbicide Strategy (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0365), which details how the Agency intends to prevent the impacts of conventional herbicides to listed species and habitats.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1237/H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). The bill would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.4035, the Protecting Small Business Information Act by Representative Patrick McHenry. This bill would delay the Corporate Transparency Acts January 1, 2024, effective date Signed onto letter supporting H.R.4035.

General lobbying for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices.

Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.3580, the Restore the CSP Act by Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Michael Guest (R-MS). This bill would reauthorize the USDA-National Resource Conservation Services Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) back to 2014 Farm Bill funding levels by taking conservation dollars authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and repurposing them to the 2023 Farm Bill baseline for CSP.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.2019/H.R.4417, the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02). This bill would prohibit other states and local units of government from regulating the preharvest production of agricultural products in other jurisdictions. Opposed to California's Proposition 12. Discussed harmful impacts with PA House and Senate Members to work on federal preemption to prop 12. Met with stakeholders and industry processors to discuss transition to prop 12 and potential federal preemptions. Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement and Mexico banning imports of U.S. bio-tech corn, which both dramatically impact trade exports.

Monitored fiscal year 2024 budget negotiations. Specifically paid close attention to H.R.4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. This bill deals with funding levels for USDA, FDA, and impacts Farm Bureau members' operations. Made PA House and Senate Members aware of AFBF's letter to House Rules Committee outlining positions on H.R.4368's amendments.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1016/H.R.1840, the Agriculture Resilience Act by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Ann Kuster (D-NH). This bill would aim to reduce agriculture emissions by 50% before 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.391/H.R.1018, the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03). This bill would prohibit the SEC from requiring ag producers to report their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. The Protect Farmers from the SEC Act was introduced in response to the SEC's proposed climate related disclosures rule (File #: S7-10-22) in March 2022. PFB also lobbied Congressional Members to oppose the SEC's rule. Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's S.391/H.R.1018's advocacy email to send to their legislator asking them for support. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law. Signed onto coalition comments regarding EPA's Vulnerable Species Pilot Project.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.719/H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04). This bill would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.720/H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02). The bill would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. Asked PA House and Senate Members to have close oversight of the funding in the allocations of the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development Program. General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.874/H.R.3308, the Farm Operations Support Act by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Thomas Tillis (R-NC) and Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI-08). This bill would freeze the 2023 AEWR and revert it to the December 2022 rate. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.J.Res.25/H.J.Res.59, the Congressional Review Act Disapproval of DOLs rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006) to change the methodology for how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is calculated. The CRA is being led by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) and Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ralph Norman (R-SC-05). This would nullify DOL's rule to change the methodology of how the AEWR is calculated. Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009-0001). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. Reviewed DOL's Notice of Proposed Rule Making entitled Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States (Docket No. ETA-2023-0003). Had conversations with Chairman Thompson's staff about the goals of the House Ag Farm Labor Working Group.

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Specifically, S.168/H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21).

Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, by Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA-1). This bill would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform.

Emailed Rep. Reschenthaler's office to ask to oppose Amendment #274 of the FAA reauthorization, which would designate adult rooster as HazMat for the purpose of air transport. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act by Representatives John Rose (R-TN) and Darren Soto (D-FL). This bill would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.Res.588 by Representatives Barry Moore (R-AL) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI). This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Dina Titus (D-NV). This bill would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Mark Alford (R-MO). This bill would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.J.Res.24/H.J.Res.49 by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). The bill would nullify the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat. Informed Sen. Fetterman's office that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the HPAI vaccine issue. Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. Monitored S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). This bill would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance.

Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.4708, the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act by Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX). This bill would codify codify visa interview waiver authority for H-2 workers and extend the validity of a companys visa petitions and labor certifications. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.3516, the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA) by Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC-01). This bill would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. Expressed to PA House and Senate Members concerns over DHS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase fees for H-2B and H-2A non-immigrant visa programs and institutes a $600 Asylum Program Fee on every petition (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010). Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau has concerns about mandatory e-verify in H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26).

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). This bill would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's H.R.1147 and S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy email to send to their legislator asking them for support. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.5383, the Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids (GIVE MILK) Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would allow participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program over the age of two to receive 2% reduced fat or whole milk. Opposed to FDA's proposed draft guidance on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13). This bill would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Opposed certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001). Discussed with Sen. Fetterman's office about when Consistent Egg Labels Act would be introduced. This bill would enforce a standard of identity for eggs.

General lobbying asks for better rural infrastructure - including rural roadways and bridges. Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition to EPA's proposed Vehicle Emission Standards (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829).

Asked PA Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1706, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). This would make permanent the 20-percent deduction for small- and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). Signed onto stakeholder letter supporting Senator Daines' Main Street Tax Certainty Act.

Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.3590, the Restore Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Act by Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1). This bill would would restore CSP funding back to the levels that were previously authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill.

General lobbying for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices. Had discussions with House and Senate Members to advance E-15 waivers. Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's thoughts/comments on EPA's proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2023, 2024, and 2025. (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0427)

Asked Senate Members to support and co-sponsor H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, by Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA-1). This bill would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform. Signed onto May 15th letter to FERC regarding their proposed rule (Docket#: RM22-7-000) on federal permitting for electric transmission lines.

Lobbied to oppose EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of Waters of the U.S." rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602). Composed and sent a letter to President Biden from the Northeast state Farm Bureaus urging to pass H.J. Res.27, the Congressional Review Act Disapproval of EPAs 2023 Revised Definition of Waters of United States rule by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representative Sam Graves (R-MO-06). The bill would have nullified the 2023 WOTUS rule, but it was vetoed. Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114-0027) to House and Senate Members. Worked with Representative Kelly's office (R-PA-16) to oppose FWS' public scoping to make the French Creek Watershed a refuge for certain species. The impacted Congressional District's Members sent a letter to FNS expressing their concerns. Had discussions with PA Congressional Members on the proposed settlement for Chesapeake Bay Foundation's lawsuit against EPA for apparent PA pollution in the Bay. PFB's main message was that farmers are already implementing innovative conservation practices on their land via local conservation district funding.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1237/H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). The bill would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education.

Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.3516, the Farmworker Access and Waiver Act (FAWA) by Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC-01). This bill would waive the interview requirement for returning H-2A visa workers who were previously approved. Asked PA House Members to sign onto Representatives Pappas, Valadao, and Simpson's letter to DHS regarding concerns over their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase fees for H-2B and H-2A non-immigrant visa programs and institutes a $600 Asylum Program Fee on every petition (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010). Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau has concerns about mandatory e-verify in H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26). Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition/comments to USCIS' fee increase proposal (Docket #: USCIS 2021-0010).

Asked PA House Members to support H.R.4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD-at large) and Jim Costa (D-CA-21). This bill would reaffirm and strengthen federal law to prevent the emergence of an inconsistent state or local pesticide labels. Asked PA Senate Members to oppose S.269, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The bill would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.747/H.R.1517, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME). This bill would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. Asked PA House Members to sign onto Representative Chavez-DeRemer's letter regarding EPA's proposed actions (Docket #: #EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0750) against rodenticides.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.719/H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04). This bill would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.720/H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02). The bill would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. Asked PA House and Senate Members to have close oversight of the funding in the allocations of the $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development Program. General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. Monitored S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). This bill would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.Res.588 (no title). This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. Lobbied PA House and Senate Members for increased resources to help combat the most recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Tracked H.R.2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 by Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) to monitor the debt ceiling negotiations.

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Specifically, S.168/H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21).

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.2019/H.R.4417, the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02). This bill would prohibit other states and local units of government from regulating the preharvest production of agricultural products in other jurisdictions. Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement and Mexico banning imports of U.S. bio-tech corn, which both dramatically impact trade exports.

Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.391/H.R.1018, the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03). This bill would prohibit the SEC from requiring ag producers to report their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. The Protect Farmers from the SEC Act was introduced in response to the SEC's proposed climate related disclosures rule (File #: S7-10-22) in March 2022. PFB also lobbied Congressional Members to oppose the SEC's rule. Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's S.391/H.R.1018's advocacy email to send to their legislator asking them for support. Asked House and Senate Members to oppose the EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law.

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). This bill would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. Encouraged PFB members to complete PFB's H.R.1147 and S.549/H.R.1462's advocacy email to send to their legislator asking them for support. Submitted comments to oppose FDA's draft milk guidance (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) from February 2023 that would allow for dairy alternative beverages to be labeled as milk. Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.549/H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13). This bill would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Submitted comments to oppose certain proposals within Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

Asked PA Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.874/H.R.3308, the Farm Operations Support Act by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Thomas Tillis (R-NC) and Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI-08). This bill would freeze the 2023 AEWR and revert it to the December 2022 rate. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.J.Res.25/H.J.Res.59, the Congressional Review Act Disapproval of DOLs rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006) to change the methodology for how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is calculated. The CRA is being led by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) and Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ralph Norman (R-SC-05). This would nullify DOL's rule to change the methodology of how the AEWR is calculated. Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009-0001). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. Signed onto the April 19th LIBERTY Campaign Coalition letter to Congressional Members that addressed the need for ag labor reform. Had conversations with Chairman Thompson's staff about the goals of the House Ag Farm Labor Working Group.

General lobbying asks for better rural infrastructure - including rural roadways and bridges. Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's opposition to EPA's proposed Vehicle Emission Standards (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829).

Had multiple discussions with PA House and Senate Members on East Palestine, OH train derailment and how to prevent future scenarios with the rails. Since it was so close to the PA border, some ag producers were affected by the derailment.

General lobbying to reduce inflation and agricultural input costs, especially for small businesses and family farms.

Asked House members to support and co-sponsor H.R. 1018, the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act by Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03). This bill would prohibit the SEC from requiring ag producers to report their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Asked Senate members to support the companion legislation, S.391 by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mike Braun (R-IN). The Protect Farmers from the SEC Act was introduced in response to the SEC's proposed climate related disclosures rule (File #: S7-10-22) in March 2022. PFB also lobbied Congressional Members to oppose the SEC's rule. Asked House and Senate Members to oppose the EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341) to designate PFOA and PFOS under the CERLA law or otherwise known as the Superfund law.

Had conversations with Congressional Members' offices about Fish and Wildlife Service rule (Docket #: FWS-R3-ES-2021-0140) to reclassify the Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB) from threatened to endangered due to the impacts of white-nose syndrome. Had conversations with Congressional Members' offices about USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)'s proposed rule (Docket #: APHIS-2021-0020) on electronic ID tags for bison and cattle. Specifically, addressed Farm Bureau's positives and negatives with the rule. Lobbied House and Senate Members for increased resources to help combat the most recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Signed on to Annual USDA/Wildlife Services support letter.

Lobbied to oppose EPA's 2023 "Revised Definition of Waters of the U.S." rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602). Signed onto AFBF and State Farm Bureaus letter to ask Congressional Members to support CRA disapproving of the 2023 WOTUS rule. Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.J. Res. 7/ H.J. Res.27, the Congressional Review Act Disapproval of EPAs 2023 Revised Definition of Waters of United States rule by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representative Sam Graves (R-MO-06). The bill would have nullified the 2023 WOTUS rule, but it was vetoed by President Biden. Composed and sent a letter to PA delegation asking for support of H.J.Res.27. Composed and sent a letter from the Northeast State Farm Bureaus to President Biden to urge him to re-consider signing H.J.Res.27 into law. Expressed feasibility, testing compliancy, and research concerns of EPA's PFAS drinking water rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114-0027) to House and Senate Members.

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). This bill would permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. Created an advocacy email for PFB members to send to their legislator asking them to support H.R.1147. Lobbied to oppose FDA's draft milk guidance (Docket #: FDA-2023-D-0451) from February 2023 that would allow for dairy alternative beverages to be labeled as milk. Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.549 / H.R.1462, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday (DAIRY PRIDE) Act by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13). This bill would prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of adairyproduct (such asmilk,yogurt, orcream cheese) unless the food (1) is the milk of a hooved animal, (2) is derived from such milk, or (3) contains such milk as a primary ingredient. Submitted comments to USDA addressing concerns with Food and Nutrition Service's proposed new school nutrition guidelines (Docket #: FNS-2022-0043-0001).

Signed on to AFT/State Soil Health Program letter

Explained to Congressional Members that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the issue of foreign investment into agricultural land. Specifically, S.168 / H.R.683, the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21).

Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on the 2023 Farm Bill. Discussed need to be passed on time, Farm Bureau priorities (AFBF and PFB), the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA)'s priorities, and listened to legislators' current concerns with provisions in the farm bill. Wrote testimony for PFB member who testified at Chairman Thompson's Farm Bill listening session at the 2023 PA Farm Show. Signed on to coalition letters regarding the 2023 Farm Bill. Asked House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, by Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23). This bill would initiate a Federal Order Hearing within 180 days in addition to giving USDA the needed authority to cost survey dairy product manufacturers. General lobbying for PFB's 2023 federal priorities: ag labor, dairy, farm bill, PFAs, sustainability, and WOTUS.

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.719 / H.R.1495, the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04). This bill would offer low-cost and long-terms loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but cannot afford to through traditional financing. Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.720 / H.R.1459, the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02). The bill would provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. General lobbying of Congress to increase rural broadband connection and cell service.

Asked Senate Members to oppose S.269, the Protect Americas Children from Toxic Pesticides Act by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The bill would modify provisions related to the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, including by cancelling the registration of organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and paraquat and by creating a process for interested individuals to submit a petition to designate an active ingredient or pesticide as a dangerous pesticide. Signed onto coalition letter to Congress opposing S.269. Asked Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.747, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). This bill would authorize USDA to provide grants to state and territories to address PFAS contamination on farms. Asked Congressional Members to oppose EPA's proposed rule (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0133) to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. Signed on to coalition letter to Congress asking for reauthorization language under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for the 2023 Farm Bill. Submitted comments to EPA opposing their Proposed Interim Decisions (PIDs) for 10 rodenticides (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0750). This would have significant impacts on eliminating the risk of rodent infestation.

Had multiple discussions with PA House and Senate Members on East Palestine, OH train derailment and how to prevent future scenarios with the rails. Since it was so close to the PA border, some ag producers were affected by the derailment.

Asked House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, by Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA-1). This bill would address high energy costs by increasing the production of American energy and reducing regulatory burdens through comprehensive permitting reform. Wrote a statement of support from PFB on H.R. 1 for Majority Whip's office. Expressed PFB's overall energy concerns to Rep. John Joyce's office for an Energy and Commerce Committee roundtable held in early January 2023.

General lobbying for lowering gas and diesel (on and off road) prices. Had discussions with House and Senate Members to advance E-15 waivers. Informed PA House and Senate Members of AFBF's thoughts/comments on EPA's proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2023, 2024, and 2025. (Docket #: EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0427)

Asked PA Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.874, the Farm Operations Support Act by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Thomas Tillis (R-NC). This bill would freeze the 2023 AEWR and revert it to the December 2022 rate. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor the Congressional Review Act Disapproval of DOLs rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006) to change the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. The CRA is being led by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) and Representatives GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ralph Norman (R-SC-05). The legislation has not been formally introduced. Signed onto to Agricultural Workforce Coalition's March 2023 letter to Congress to support the CRA disapproving of DOL's AEWR methodology change. Had conversations with Chairman Thompson's staff about the developing House Ag Farm Labor Task Force.

Asked House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). The bill would restore the exemptions family farm and small business assets from the FAFSA calculation process in higher education.

Had discussions with Mexican Embassy on why their country is banning U.S. imports of bio-tech/GMO corn. Had conversations with House and Senate members over PFB's concerns with Canada not abiding by the USMCA dairy trade agreement and Mexico banning imports of U.S. bio-tech corn, which both dramatically impact trade exports.

General lobbying asks for better rural infrastructure - including rural roadways and bridges.

Docket ID# EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0223: Lobbied House and Senate members to gain opposition on EPA's registration requirements for dicamba, which would restrict the usage of the herbicide. PFB submitted comments to the Federal Register. Docket ID# EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341;FRL-7204-02-OLEM: Lobbied House and Senate members to gain opposition on EPA's "Proposed Designation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) as CERCLA Hazardous Substances" rule. PFAs Congressional Letter: Asked House members to sign on to Rep. Harshbarger's letter to EPA regarding concerns on the above PFAs rulemaking. FIFRA Coalition letter: PFB signed on to coalition letter urging House and Senate members to reaffirm that state pesticide labels should build upon - not contradict - federal findings. This was prompted by the Solicitor General's brief to SCOTUS which misinterprets federal pesticide policy to allow the potential emergence of an unscientific, contradictory state label.

American Business Immigration Council Advocacy Event: Participated in press conference and roundtable regarding the needs of the ag workforce. Asked Sen. Casey and Toomey to get involved in the Senate's discussions on ag labor reform. Advocated for the Senate bill to address the shortcomings of H.R.1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (FWMA). Ag Workforce Coalition Letter: PFB signed on to AWC's coalition letter to urge the Senate to act on ag labor reform, before the 117th Congress ends. Affordable and Secure Food Act: Informed House and Senate members that Farm Bureau does not support the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which was the Senate version of FWMA. The Affordable and Secure Food Act sought reforms to the H-2A program, MSPA, e-Verify, wage increases, and much more related to ag labor/immigration issues. Miscellaneous: Emailed Sen. Casey's office that Farm Bureau did not support the FWMA. Emailed Rep. Houlahan's office about where the Senate is on ag labor reform and Farm Bureau's position. In general, lobbied very heavily in the last months of the 117th Congress for ag labor reform to be accomplished.

H.R.8649: Asked House members to co-sponsor H.R.8649, the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act, which would reauthorize the STB board and create various other reforms to help create more reliable rail service. S.4959: Asked Senate members to co-sponsor S.4959, the Reliable Rail Service Act, which would define the current vague term "common carrier obligation". A more clear definition would provide clarity to railroads' obligation in providing service. H.J.Res.100: Asked House and Senate members to support H.J. Res. 100, which prevents a rail strike and adopts the Sept. 15 Tentative Agreement brokered by the Biden Administration between railroads and rail labor. H.Con.Res.119: Informed House and Senate members that Farm Bureau does not have a position on H.Con.Res.119, which would provide six paid sick days to rail workers. Miscellaneous: Lobbied House and Senate members to intervene and prevent rail strike from happening by forcing unions to adopt agreement brokered by the Biden administration on Sept. 15.

General: Lobbied House and Senate members to determine ways to help reduce the cost of gasoline and diesel (on-road and off-road).

H.R.5441: Lobbied House and Senate members to oppose H.R.5441, the PAST Act, which would would amend the Horse Protection Act to designate the practice of soring horses as unlawful and increase penalties for doing so. S.3870/H.R.7606: Lobbied House and Senate members to oppose S.3870 and Title I of H.R. 7606,the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act, which would create within the USDA 'The Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matter'. S.4030: Lobbied House and Senate members to oppose S.4030, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, which would add language to price discovery by including in the definition of negotiated prices transactions at stockyards and on other cattle trading platforms through approved pricing mechanisms that would qualify as a negotiated transaction under the mandatory minimum. S.4030 would also create 5-7 new cattle marketing regions that include all lower 48 states. USDA Proposed PSA Rules: Informed House and Senate members of Farm Bureau's support of two proposed USDA rules that would impact the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA): (1) Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, which would increase the level of transparency that producers have within the contracts they have with their integrator. (2) Inclusive Opportunity and Market Competition under the Packers and Stockyards Act, which would address retaliation and deception. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Rule: Asked House members to sign on to Congressional letter being led by Reps. Costa and Womack to ask for an extension to the comment period for the proposed USDA Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity rule. Northern long-eared bat Congressional Letter: Asked House members to sign on to Congressional letter regarding preventing funds being used for an up-listing of the Northern long-eared bat.

ERP Congressional Letter: Asked House members to sign on to Rep. Jackson's letter to the USDA addressing several questions relating to ERP Phase 1 and 2.

DOL's H-2A Final Rule: Informed House and Senate members of Farm Bureau's opposition to DOL's final H-2A rule, which complicates the program for ag producers with unnecessary regulations. Rep. Clyde's AEWR Congressional Letter: Emailed House members to ask them to sign on to Rep. Clyde's letter to DOL on concerns of the increasing adverse effect wage rates (AEWRs) and its feasibility for ag producers.

Inflation: Sent inflation survey to House and Senate members that PFB members completed. The survey asked them to describe the costs that are impacting their operation the most due to inflation. The purpose of the survey was to influence congressional members to draft legislation that would effectively reduce inflation to provide for more sustainable profits for producers and affordable prices at the store for consumers.

Broadband: Lobbied House and Senate members to determine ways to help increase broadband in rural America.

2023 Farm Bill: Lobbied House and Senate offices on Farm Bureau's 2023 Farm Bill priorities. Specifically, advocated for PA's top concerns of dairy, crop insurance, conservation programs, and ag labor. H.R.8069: Asked House members to co-sponsor H.R.8069, The Reducing Farm Input Costs and Barriers to Domestic Production Act to help reduce inflation by reversing various regulatory barriers to domestic agriculture production.

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H.R.9063: Asked House members to co-sponsor H.R.9063, the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act, which would prohibit the SEC from requiring agricultural producers to report Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. The bill was prompted by the SEC's proposed rule entitled "The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors". S.5135: Asked Senate members to co-sponsor S.5135, the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act, which is the companion bill to H.R. 9063.

H.R.7776: Lobbied for the passage of H.R. 7776, National Defense Authorization Act of 2022, which included the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). WRDA is biennial legislation that authorizes projects carried out by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other water resources infrastructure throughout the United States.

Asked Rep. Reschenthaler's office to oppose H.R.4521, America COMPETES Act- Amendment #64 (Huffman), which would require NASS to publish data on COVID-19 on mink farms in the Rules Committee. Asked for co-sponsors for H.R.8069, The Reducing Farm Input Costs and Barriers to Domestic Production Act to help reduce inflation by reversing various regulatory barriers to domestic agriculture production Informed Senate offices of discussion of S.4030, Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, and H.R.7606/S.3870, Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act could be added into the NDAA. Asked to oppose both bills if this does happen or any movement on either bills. Informed Rep. Meuser's office that AFBF does not have a position yet on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards rule, but is planning on submitting comments.

Lobbied for ag labor reform in the Senate. Asked the House to encourage Sen. Toomey and Casey to get involved with Sen. Crapo and Bennett's office in the discussions surrounding ag labor reform. Advocated for the Senate bill to address the shortcomings of H.R.1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

Asked for co-sponsors on H.R.8649, the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act, which would reauthorize the STB board and create various other reforms to help create more reliable rail service. Asked for co-sponsors on S.4959, the Reliable Rail Service Act, which would define the current vague term "common current obligation". A more clear definition would provide clarity to railroads' obligation in providing service.

Informed Rep. Houlahan's office that AFBF did not take a position on H.R.4345, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act- Amendment #137 (Create U.S. Farm Jobs and Feed Hungry Cuban Families).