ms KRISTINA WATSON

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for the following: S. 3292, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would require the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate hearings to review Federal milk marketing orders relating to pricing of Class I skim milk, and for other purposes; H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Opposition to S. 2001, PRIME Act, which would expand the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; need for increased transparency in milk pricing; and increased investments in agriculture research. Advocacy and research related to the Farm Bill, including the importance of the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs especially crop insurance, Whole Farm Revenue Protection; the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, including the conservation title; concerns regarding the Conservation Reserve Program including sign ups and incentive practices; priorities for sustainability programs including streamlined cost-share programs, incentives for early adopters, and continued technical and financial assistance for farmers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP). General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee; developing capacity and increasing opportunities for federal inspection qualifications for small meat and poultry processing; improvements in agricultural supply chain infrastructure including processing, production, distribution and trade; enhanced market transparency; increased prices for fertilizer and other agricultural inputs and potential need for mitigation; importance of funding for USDA Wildlife Services; and farm debt.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband. Specific comments related to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's request for comment on new broadband programs established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure law.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband. Specific comments related to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's request for comment on new broadband programs established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure law.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband. Specific comments related to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's request for comment on new broadband programs established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure law.

Support for the following: S. 3580 / H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which would help address port congestion, refusal of carriers to load U.S. ag exports, and other unfair practices. General support for ensuring authorized resources are responsibly and efficiently allocated to rebuild, repair and modernize transportation infrastructure, including rural roads and bridges, ports, inland waterway locks and dams and water projects; infrastructure investments that foster long-term growth in distribution networks; regulatory and administrative actions that decrease port congestion, reduce barriers to employment, speed up transportation of goods via rail and highway.

Support for the following: S. 3580 / H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which would help address port congestion, refusal of carriers to load U.S. ag exports, and other unfair practices. Support for additional issues: including agriculture in any potential trade deal/deal modification involving the European Union, UK, China, India, a Phase 2 agreement with Japan, or others; rejoining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement; the Indo-Pacific Framework general agricultural trade, including support for increasing market opportunities for agriculture; and maintaining and continued implementation of the USMCA, and China Phase I agreement. Research, advocacy and/or correspondence related to trade impacts of sanctions (particularly Belarus); tariffs and supply and demand issues on fertilizer components; potential market impacts - including wheat, fertilizer and natural gas - of Russian invasion of Ukraine; and ensuring access to agricultural inputs through proactive trade policies.

Research related to the S. 623 / H.R. 69, The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time the new, permanent standard time

Support for H.R. 7010, the Emergency Relief from Duties Act, which would create a pathway to establish waiver that delays a Countervailing Duty (CVD) or Anti-dumping Duty (AD) for a year if there is an emergency situation including natural disasters, epidemics,labor disputes or major accident. Support for reducing and/or eliminating tariffs and other barriers to trade. Research related to tariffs on fertilizers.

Support for the following: S. 3292, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would require the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate hearings to review Federal milk marketing orders relating to pricing of Class I skim milk, and for other purposes; H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Opposition to S. 2001, PRIME Act, which would expand the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; need for increased transparency in milk pricing; and increased investments in agriculture research. Advocacy and research related to the Farm Bill, including the importance of the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs especially crop insurance, Whole Farm Revenue Protection; the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, including the conservation title; concerns regarding the Conservation Reserve Program including sign ups and incentive practices; priorities for sustainability programs including streamlined cost-share programs, incentives for early adopters, and continued technical and financial assistance for farmers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP). General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee; developing capacity and increasing opportunities for federal inspection qualifications for small meat and poultry processing; improvements in agricultural supply chain infrastructure including processing, production, distribution and trade; enhanced market transparency; increased prices for fertilizer and other agricultural inputs and potential need for mitigation; importance of funding for USDA Wildlife Services; and farm debt.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband. Specific comments related to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's request for comment on new broadband programs established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure law.

Support for the following: S. 3292, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would require the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate hearings to review Federal milk marketing orders relating to pricing of Class I skim milk, and for other purposes; H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Opposition to S. 2001, PRIME Act, which would expand the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; need for increased transparency in milk pricing; and increased investments in agriculture research. Advocacy and research related to the Farm Bill, including the importance of the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs especially crop insurance, Whole Farm Revenue Protection; the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, including the conservation title; concerns regarding the Conservation Reserve Program including sign ups and incentive practices; priorities for sustainability programs including streamlined cost-share programs, incentives for early adopters, and continued technical and financial assistance for farmers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP). General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee; developing capacity and increasing opportunities for federal inspection qualifications for small meat and poultry processing; improvements in agricultural supply chain infrastructure including processing, production, distribution and trade; enhanced market transparency; increased prices for fertilizer and other agricultural inputs and potential need for mitigation; importance of funding for USDA Wildlife Services; and farm debt.

Support for the following: S. 3292, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would require the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate hearings to review Federal milk marketing orders relating to pricing of Class I skim milk, and for other purposes; H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Opposition to S. 2001, PRIME Act, which would expand the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; need for increased transparency in milk pricing; and increased investments in agriculture research. Advocacy and research related to the Farm Bill, including the importance of the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs especially crop insurance, Whole Farm Revenue Protection; the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, including the conservation title; concerns regarding the Conservation Reserve Program including sign ups and incentive practices; priorities for sustainability programs including streamlined cost-share programs, incentives for early adopters, and continued technical and financial assistance for farmers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP). General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee; developing capacity and increasing opportunities for federal inspection qualifications for small meat and poultry processing; improvements in agricultural supply chain infrastructure including processing, production, distribution and trade; enhanced market transparency; increased prices for fertilizer and other agricultural inputs and potential need for mitigation; importance of funding for USDA Wildlife Services; and farm debt.

Support for the following: S. 3580 / H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which would help address port congestion, refusal of carriers to load U.S. ag exports, and other unfair practices. Support for additional issues: including agriculture in any potential trade deal/deal modification involving the European Union, UK, China, India, a Phase 2 agreement with Japan, or others; rejoining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement; the Indo-Pacific Framework general agricultural trade, including support for increasing market opportunities for agriculture; and maintaining and continued implementation of the USMCA, and China Phase I agreement. Research, advocacy and/or correspondence related to trade impacts of sanctions (particularly Belarus); tariffs and supply and demand issues on fertilizer components; potential market impacts - including wheat, fertilizer and natural gas - of Russian invasion of Ukraine; and ensuring access to agricultural inputs through proactive trade policies.

Support for the following: S. 3580 / H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which would help address port congestion, refusal of carriers to load U.S. ag exports, and other unfair practices. General support for ensuring authorized resources are responsibly and efficiently allocated to rebuild, repair and modernize transportation infrastructure, including rural roads and bridges, ports, inland waterway locks and dams and water projects; infrastructure investments that foster long-term growth in distribution networks; regulatory and administrative actions that decrease port congestion, reduce barriers to employment, speed up transportation of goods via rail and highway.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Research related to the S. 623 / H.R. 69, The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time the new, permanent standard time

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Correspondence related to concerns regarding H.R.1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021, which contains provisions related to foreign farm workers, including provisions establishing new categories of workers, and making changes to the H-2A visa program. Overall advocacy related to the importance of agricultural workers, the need for a guest worker program for agriculture that works in the long- and short-term, and reforms to existing H-2A program. Advocacy related to concerns about illegal immigration and impact on agricultural operations in border states.

Support for a Congressional letter requesting the administration allow South African H-2A visa holders into the U.S. as essential workers, providing the abide by health and safety protocols. Correspondence related to concerns regarding H.R.1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021, which contains provisions related to foreign farm workers, including provisions establishing new categories of workers, and making changes to the H-2A visa program. Overall advocacy related to the importance of agricultural workers, the need for a guest worker program for agriculture that works in the long- and short-term, and reforms to existing H-2A program.

Correspondence and advocacy related to concerns regarding H.R.1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021, which contains provisions related to foreign farm workers, including provisions establishing new categories of workers, and making changes to the H-2A visa program; concerns related to omicron-related travel restrictions regarding travel limitations for H-2A workers due to the Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease which limited the travel of non-citizens from several countries, including South Africa, to the United States. Overall advocacy related to the importance of agricultural workers, the need for a guest worker program for agriculture that works in the long- and short-term, and reforms to existing H-2A program. Advocacy related to concerns about illegal immigration and impact on agricultural operations in border states.

Correspondence related to concerns regarding H.R.1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021, which contains provisions related to foreign farm workers, including provisions establishing new categories of workers, and making changes to the H-2A visa program. Overall advocacy related to the importance of agricultural workers, the need for a guest worker program for agriculture that works in the long- and short-term, and reforms to existing H-2A program. Advocacy related to concerns about illegal immigration and impact on agricultural operations in border states.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis and implement capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for the following: H.R. 547, the DIRECT Act, which would allow State Inspected meat to be sold across state lines, but only through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; and H.R. 267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, which would expand the Department of Agriculture's Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to include coverage for losses of crops (due to wildfires occurring in calendar year 2020; Secretary Vilsack's confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection; and increased investments in agriculture research, including signing on to a coalition letter to USDA emphasizing the importance agricultural research and development. Support for changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP)and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to concerns about potential legislation regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; and for quarantine provisions and concerns related to the spotted lantern fly, an invasive pest. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to H.R. 2789, the Get Rewarding Outdoor Work (GROW) for our Veterans Act, which establishes a two-year pilot program to employ veterans for Departments of the Interior and Agriculture projects; on forthcoming agriculture natural security legislation related to foreign control over agriculture industry; and on challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; and hemp, an agricultural crop.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed; H.R. 5290, to extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting; H.R.5609, Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, which directs USDA to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle; Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; assistance for dairy farmers who have lost their milk shippers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; staffing of county Farm Service Agency offices; appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2866, the America Grows Act of 2021, which would increase ag research funding 5% annually for 10 years; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; and providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection and to increase capacity; increased investments in agriculture research; continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program; and USDA expediting rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract poultry and also hogs which were authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Support and research regarding changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs for corn silage. Research regarding modernizing the National Agricultural Statistics Service. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Also shared comments re docket USDA-2021-0003, related to Notice of Request for Public Comment on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad with PA Congressional Delegation to help inform regarding climate, and information related to Pennsylvania farmer's efforts to undertake conservation practices. Research and/or correspondence related to concerns potential legislation (Careful Handling In Chicks Knowingly Sent in the Mail Act) regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service; the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) including PA usage of program and needs in future; improving transparency and fair pricing in cattle markets; and H.R. 2773, Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021, which would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes. Advocacy for improved staffing at county Farm Service Agency Offices, especially in counties facing staffing challenges. Advocacy related to USDA's final rule implementing the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and impact of the MN US District Court order vacating provisions of this rule, including correspondence asking USDA to appeal the ruling, seek a stay while appeal is considered, pursue a new, fast-tracked rulemaking.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis and implement capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for the following: H.R. 547, the DIRECT Act, which would allow State Inspected meat to be sold across state lines, but only through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; and H.R. 267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, which would expand the Department of Agriculture's Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to include coverage for losses of crops (due to wildfires occurring in calendar year 2020; Secretary Vilsack's confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection; and increased investments in agriculture research, including signing on to a coalition letter to USDA emphasizing the importance agricultural research and development. Support for changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP)and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to concerns about potential legislation regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2866, the America Grows Act of 2021, which would increase ag research funding 5% annually for 10 years; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; and providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection and to increase capacity; increased investments in agriculture research; continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program; and USDA expediting rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract poultry and also hogs which were authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Support and research regarding changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs for corn silage. Research regarding modernizing the National Agricultural Statistics Service. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Also shared comments re docket USDA-2021-0003, related to Notice of Request for Public Comment on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad with PA Congressional Delegation to help inform regarding climate, and information related to Pennsylvania farmer's efforts to undertake conservation practices. Research and/or correspondence related to concerns potential legislation (Careful Handling In Chicks Knowingly Sent in the Mail Act) regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service; the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) including PA usage of program and needs in future; improving transparency and fair pricing in cattle markets; and H.R. 2773, Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021, which would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes. Advocacy for improved staffing at county Farm Service Agency Offices, especially in counties facing staffing challenges. Advocacy related to USDA's final rule implementing the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and impact of the MN US District Court order vacating provisions of this rule, including correspondence asking USDA to appeal the ruling, seek a stay while appeal is considered, pursue a new, fast-tracked rulemaking.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; and for quarantine provisions and concerns related to the spotted lantern fly, an invasive pest. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to H.R. 2789, the Get Rewarding Outdoor Work (GROW) for our Veterans Act, which establishes a two-year pilot program to employ veterans for Departments of the Interior and Agriculture projects; on forthcoming agriculture natural security legislation related to foreign control over agriculture industry; and on challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; and hemp, an agricultural crop.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed; H.R. 5290, to extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting; H.R.5609, Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, which directs USDA to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle; Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; assistance for dairy farmers who have lost their milk shippers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; staffing of county Farm Service Agency offices; appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2866, the America Grows Act of 2021, which would increase ag research funding 5% annually for 10 years; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; and providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection and to increase capacity; increased investments in agriculture research; continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program; and USDA expediting rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract poultry and also hogs which were authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Support and research regarding changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs for corn silage. Research regarding modernizing the National Agricultural Statistics Service. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Also shared comments re docket USDA-2021-0003, related to Notice of Request for Public Comment on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad with PA Congressional Delegation to help inform regarding climate, and information related to Pennsylvania farmer's efforts to undertake conservation practices. Research and/or correspondence related to concerns potential legislation (Careful Handling In Chicks Knowingly Sent in the Mail Act) regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service; the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) including PA usage of program and needs in future; improving transparency and fair pricing in cattle markets; and H.R. 2773, Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021, which would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes. Advocacy for improved staffing at county Farm Service Agency Offices, especially in counties facing staffing challenges. Advocacy related to USDA's final rule implementing the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and impact of the MN US District Court order vacating provisions of this rule, including correspondence asking USDA to appeal the ruling, seek a stay while appeal is considered, pursue a new, fast-tracked rulemaking.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; and for quarantine provisions and concerns related to the spotted lantern fly, an invasive pest. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to H.R. 2789, the Get Rewarding Outdoor Work (GROW) for our Veterans Act, which establishes a two-year pilot program to employ veterans for Departments of the Interior and Agriculture projects; on forthcoming agriculture natural security legislation related to foreign control over agriculture industry; and on challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; and hemp, an agricultural crop.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2866, the America Grows Act of 2021, which would increase ag research funding 5% annually for 10 years; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; and providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection and to increase capacity; increased investments in agriculture research; continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program; and USDA expediting rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract poultry and also hogs which were authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Support and research regarding changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs for corn silage. Research regarding modernizing the National Agricultural Statistics Service. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Also shared comments re docket USDA-2021-0003, related to Notice of Request for Public Comment on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad with PA Congressional Delegation to help inform regarding climate, and information related to Pennsylvania farmer's efforts to undertake conservation practices. Research and/or correspondence related to concerns potential legislation (Careful Handling In Chicks Knowingly Sent in the Mail Act) regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service; the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) including PA usage of program and needs in future; improving transparency and fair pricing in cattle markets; and H.R. 2773, Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021, which would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes. Advocacy for improved staffing at county Farm Service Agency Offices, especially in counties facing staffing challenges. Advocacy related to USDA's final rule implementing the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and impact of the MN US District Court order vacating provisions of this rule, including correspondence asking USDA to appeal the ruling, seek a stay while appeal is considered, pursue a new, fast-tracked rulemaking.

Support for S. 695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which makes important investments in roads and bridges, ports and inland waterways, as well as broadband, and would also exempt livestock and insect haulers from Hours of Service regulations within a 150 air-mile radius from their final destination; and general support for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc); S. 3138, the bipartisan Covered Farm Vehicle Modernization Act, which would expand and modernize current Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) exemptions.

Support for H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which makes important investments in roads and bridges, ports and inland waterways, as well as broadband, and would also exempt livestock and insect haulers from Hours of Service regulations within a 150 air-mile radius from their final destination; and general support for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc).

Advocacy regarding opposition to a provision in H.R. 3684, the INVEST In America Act, which would raise commercial motor vehicle minimum liability limits, and support for an amendment which would strike the bill's insurance provisions, and an amendment which would incorporate the HAULS Act (which would modify exemptions with respect to commercial motor vehicle safety regulations involving the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies) into the INVEST in America Package. Support for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc).

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; and for quarantine provisions and concerns related to the spotted lantern fly, an invasive pest. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to H.R. 2789, the Get Rewarding Outdoor Work (GROW) for our Veterans Act, which establishes a two-year pilot program to employ veterans for Departments of the Interior and Agriculture projects; on forthcoming agriculture natural security legislation related to foreign control over agriculture industry; and on challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; and hemp, an agricultural crop.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed; H.R. 5290, to extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting; H.R.5609, Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, which directs USDA to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle; Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; assistance for dairy farmers who have lost their milk shippers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; staffing of county Farm Service Agency offices; appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

General support for ag priorities in the agricultural appropriations process, including: increased funding for ag research, farm programs, food safety and international programs; and authorized funding levels: Agriculture in the Classroom; Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority; animal health; biotechnology promotion; expanding international markets and safeguarding U.S. agriculture; farmer stress and mental health; food safety and protection; crop protection tools; rural development; Wildlife Services; and renewable energy. Concerns related to the FY 22 Department of Labor Appropriations bill, specifically Sections 116, 117 and 118 (which includes provisions that would devastate the H-2B program: prohibitions H-2B program utilization, increased wage baseline, collective bargaining agreements, and consequences for infractions), and omission of language limiting OSHA enforcement on farms with fewer than 10 employees. Support for amendment 92 to HR 4502, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2022, which would restore longstanding language limiting OSHA enforcement on farms with fewer than 10 employees.

Support for the following: H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which would help address port congestion, refusal of carriers to load U.S. ag exports, and other unfair practices; and S. 2629, the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, which would prohibit state and local government from interfering in the production and manufacture of agricultural products in other states, provides a federal cause of action to challenge such interference, and market and price challenges that may result. Support for additional issues: including agriculture in any potential trade deal/deal modification involving the European Union, UK, China, a Phase 2 agreement with Japan, or others; rejoining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement; general agricultural trade, including support for increasing market opportunities for agriculture; and maintaining and continued implementation of the USMCA, including produce plan implementation, and China Phase I agreement. Research and correspondence related to USMCA proceedings against Canada regarding administration of the new tariff-rate quotas for U.S. dairy imports.

Support for the following: H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which would help address port congestion, refusal of carriers to load U.S. ag exports, and other unfair practices. Support for additional issues: including agriculture in any potential trade deal/deal modification involving the European Union, UK, China, India, a Phase 2 agreement with Japan, or others; rejoining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement; general agricultural trade, including support for increasing market opportunities for agriculture; and maintaining and continued implementation of the USMCA, including produce plan implementation, and China Phase I agreement. Advocacy requesting the U.S. government engage the Government of Mexico at the highest levels to address Mexicos recent actions affecting agricultural biotechnology and trade of US agricultural products produced with agricultural biotechnology.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed; H.R. 5290, to extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting; H.R.5609, Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, which directs USDA to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle; Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; assistance for dairy farmers who have lost their milk shippers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; staffing of county Farm Service Agency offices; appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee.

Correspondence in opposition to H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act which would provide funding, establishes programs, and otherwise modifies provisions relating to a broad array of areas, including education, labor, child care, health care, taxes, immigration, and the environment.

Support for the following: H.R. 547, the DIRECT Act, which would allow State Inspected meat to be sold across state lines, but only through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; and H.R. 267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, which would expand the Department of Agriculture's Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to include coverage for losses of crops (due to wildfires occurring in calendar year 2020; Secretary Vilsack's confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection; and increased investments in agriculture research, including signing on to a coalition letter to USDA emphasizing the importance agricultural research and development. Support for changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP)and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to concerns about potential legislation regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed; H.R. 5290, to extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting; H.R.5609, Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, which directs USDA to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle; Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; assistance for dairy farmers who have lost their milk shippers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; staffing of county Farm Service Agency offices; appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee.

Support for H.R. 723, the PPP Extension Act of 2021, which would extend the Paycheck Protection Program, a program designed to help small businesses impacted financially because of COVID-19, through June 30, 2021. General support for the PPP program and ability of agriculture to be able to utilize the program.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed; H.R. 5290, to extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting; H.R.5609, Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, which directs USDA to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle; Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; assistance for dairy farmers who have lost their milk shippers. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research, correspondence and/or advocacy related to challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; staffing of county Farm Service Agency offices; appointments of certain individuals to the Pennsylvania State Farm Service Agency Committee.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2866, the America Grows Act of 2021, which would increase ag research funding 5% annually for 10 years; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; and providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection and to increase capacity; increased investments in agriculture research; continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program; and USDA expediting rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract poultry and also hogs which were authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Support and research regarding changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs for corn silage. Research regarding modernizing the National Agricultural Statistics Service. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Also shared comments re docket USDA-2021-0003, related to Notice of Request for Public Comment on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad with PA Congressional Delegation to help inform regarding climate, and information related to Pennsylvania farmer's efforts to undertake conservation practices. Research and/or correspondence related to concerns potential legislation (Careful Handling In Chicks Knowingly Sent in the Mail Act) regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service; the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) including PA usage of program and needs in future; improving transparency and fair pricing in cattle markets; and H.R. 2773, Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021, which would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes. Advocacy for improved staffing at county Farm Service Agency Offices, especially in counties facing staffing challenges. Advocacy related to USDA's final rule implementing the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and impact of the MN US District Court order vacating provisions of this rule, including correspondence asking USDA to appeal the ruling, seek a stay while appeal is considered, pursue a new, fast-tracked rulemaking.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; and for quarantine provisions and concerns related to the spotted lantern fly, an invasive pest. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to H.R. 2789, the Get Rewarding Outdoor Work (GROW) for our Veterans Act, which establishes a two-year pilot program to employ veterans for Departments of the Interior and Agriculture projects; on forthcoming agriculture natural security legislation related to foreign control over agriculture industry; and on challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; and hemp, an agricultural crop.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; H.R. 2866, the America Grows Act of 2021, which would increase ag research funding 5% annually for 10 years; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; and providing support for small, intrastate meat and poultry processing plants to attain federal inspection and to increase capacity; increased investments in agriculture research; continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program; and USDA expediting rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract poultry and also hogs which were authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Support and research regarding changes to Risk Management Agency crop insurance programs to better reflect the needs of farmers using the programs for corn silage. Research regarding modernizing the National Agricultural Statistics Service. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Also shared comments re docket USDA-2021-0003, related to Notice of Request for Public Comment on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad with PA Congressional Delegation to help inform regarding climate, and information related to Pennsylvania farmer's efforts to undertake conservation practices. Research and/or correspondence related to concerns potential legislation (Careful Handling In Chicks Knowingly Sent in the Mail Act) regarding shipping chicks through the U.S. Postal Service; the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) including PA usage of program and needs in future; improving transparency and fair pricing in cattle markets; and H.R. 2773, Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021, which would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes. Advocacy for improved staffing at county Farm Service Agency Offices, especially in counties facing staffing challenges. Advocacy related to USDA's final rule implementing the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and impact of the MN US District Court order vacating provisions of this rule, including correspondence asking USDA to appeal the ruling, seek a stay while appeal is considered, pursue a new, fast-tracked rulemaking.

Support for the following: H.R. 818, Giving Increased Variety to Ensure Milk Into the Lives of Kids Act, which would revise the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow WIC participants to elect to be issued nonfat milk, 1% low-fat milk, 2% reduced-fat milk, or whole milk; H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to offer whole milk to students as part of school meal programs; S. 1251/H.R. 2820, Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bill designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate smart practices; H.R. 3766, the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021, which seeks to enable mechanisms for greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while equipping producers with more tools and useful information to succeed. Support for the following: requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take enforcement action against manufacturers labeling non-dairy products as dairy; allowing for increased fat to be offered as part of the school lunch program/offered in schools; Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, and the need to implement a modified bloc voting provision within the Federal order, and concerns related to negative producer price differentials impacting dairy farmers and the need for the issue to be addressed; the farm safety net which is provided through Farm Bill programs, and the need for a 2023 Farm Bill that reflects the needs of agriculture; increased investments in agriculture research; and for quarantine provisions and concerns related to the spotted lantern fly, an invasive pest. General advocacy related to agriculture and the impacts encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including support challenges facing dairy, livestock and other agricultural operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, needed measures to help agriculture during COVID-19, including supply chain/food security concerns; federal assistance for producers impacted by pandemic including through the Coronavirus Food Protection Program (CFAP), including additional funding for dairy producers, and any federal support needed to maintain food production; ensuring availability of /priority access to personal protective equipment and vaccine for essential agriculture workers and the agriculture community; and support for solutions to address food insecurity. General advocacy related to climate and agriculture, including: support for providing voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers and foresters to maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions; development of private sector greenhouse gas markets; incentives to prioritize and scale climate-smart practices, reduce energy consumption, and increase on-farm renewable energy production; and the need for sustainability efforts that promote economic prosperity for farmers. Research and correspondence related to H.R. 2789, the Get Rewarding Outdoor Work (GROW) for our Veterans Act, which establishes a two-year pilot program to employ veterans for Departments of the Interior and Agriculture projects; on forthcoming agriculture natural security legislation related to foreign control over agriculture industry; and on challenges and opportunities for organic milk producers in the northeast; and hemp, an agricultural crop.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for S. 1695 / H.R. 3193, Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, which would authorize the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects; H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which would make significant investments into the deployment and development in broadband infrastructure in rural America; and H.R. 3369, the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs while prioritizing rural areas most underserved. General support for improving broadband infrastructure, additional funding to support broadband buildout, and improving broadband access to those who are not able to obtain broadband.

Support for the following: H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which would help address port congestion, refusal of carriers to load U.S. ag exports, and other unfair practices; and S. 2629, the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, which would prohibit state and local government from interfering in the production and manufacture of agricultural products in other states, provides a federal cause of action to challenge such interference, and market and price challenges that may result. Support for additional issues: including agriculture in any potential trade deal/deal modification involving the European Union, UK, China, a Phase 2 agreement with Japan, or others; rejoining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement; general agricultural trade, including support for increasing market opportunities for agriculture; and maintaining and continued implementation of the USMCA, including produce plan implementation, and China Phase I agreement. Research and correspondence related to USMCA proceedings against Canada regarding administration of the new tariff-rate quotas for U.S. dairy imports.

Support for H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which makes important investments in roads and bridges, ports and inland waterways, as well as broadband, and would also exempt livestock and insect haulers from Hours of Service regulations within a 150 air-mile radius from their final destination; and general support for transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, railroads, locks and dams, inland waterways, etc); S. 3138, the bipartisan Covered Farm Vehicle Modernization Act, which would expand and modernize current Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) exemptions.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts;Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax; H.R. 1381 and S. 480, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the 199A business tax deduction permanent; H.R. 2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, which would update IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation to allow more farmland to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes; H.R. 2558 and S. 1166, the Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act (ALIGN Act), which would make full and immediate expensing provisions permanent; H.R. 2447, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, which would reduce taxes for veterinary students who agree to serve in an underserved rural areas. Opposition to legislation and proposals (such as reconciliation proposals) that would repeal stepped-up basis, increase capital gains taxes, and/or impose capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286 (no title) which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred by gift or at death as sold for fair market value, and for other purposes. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses, valuation discounts; Section 1031 - like-kind exchanges; low corporate tax rates; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.

Support for S. 617 and H.R. 1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the Federal Estate Tax. Opposition to legislation and proposals that would repeal stepped-up basis and implement capital gains tax at death, including H.R. 2286. General support for tax measures to help agriculture including, securing permanent estate tax and capital gains tax law that allows family-owned farms to transfer from one generation to another; making low-income tax rates and business deductions permanent to permit farmers to keep more of their earnings and invest in their businesses; locking in tax code provisions allowing farm operations to match expenses with income, helping manage the seasonal and cyclical nature of their businesses; and tax incentives for renewable energy resources.