{"id":7562,"date":"2026-05-27T02:30:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T07:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?p=7562"},"modified":"2026-05-27T11:30:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T16:30:03","slug":"farm-bill-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/farm-bill-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"Farm Bill Engagement Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_7566\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7566\" class=\"wp-image-7566 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage-300x200.png\" alt=\"green grassy field below blue sky with brilliant sun in left corner, with row of trees and farm buildings on horizon. at left is green box with name of blog.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage-525x350.png 525w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillegagement-blogpage.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-7566\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Updated May 27, 2026<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"#status\">STATUS ON CAPITOL HILL<\/a> | <a href=\"#farmbillalerts\">ACTION ALERTS<\/a> | <a href=\"#resources\">RESOURCES AND WEBINARS<\/a> | <a href=\"#ourcollectivevoice\">OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Farm Bill, which guides much of U.S. agriculture, rural and food policy, is currently being debated in Congress. The ELCA urges Congress to pass a 2026 Farm Bill that promotes <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/advocacy\/2023-farm-bill-asks\/\">priorities<\/a> consistent with our advocacy during 2023-24 Farm Bill reauthorization discussions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>food for hungry neighbors at home and abroad,<\/li>\n<li>healthy rural and farming communities,<\/li>\n<li>inclusion of people of all backgrounds,<\/li>\n<li>care of creation to feed future generations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In a world of abundance, we strive for an end to hunger and poverty, and towards a just world where all are fed. Additionally, we are to work with each other and the environment to meet needs without causing undue burdens elsewhere. <strong>The Farm Bill is one of the most influential pieces of legislation affecting farmers, hunger and conservation in the United States and around the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>ELCA social statements call for policies that provide adequate nutrition for all and create livelihood opportunities that are genuinely sustainable. We urge lawmakers to pass a 2026 Farm Bill that reflects these faith-based values.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"status\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-7611\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3-525x350.png 525w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecapitolhillv3.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Status on Capitol Hill<\/h2>\n<p><strong>&#8211; May 27, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">The House of Representatives\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW217514857 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/7567\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW217514857 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">passed<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">\u00a0a Farm Bill at the end of April on a near-party-line vote (224-200).\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">ELCA advocacy\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">priorities\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">for nutrition programs, conservation<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">\u00a0and international food aid<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">\u00a0were not included in the House-passed bill<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">\u00a0(<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">see\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">Mar<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">\u00a05<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">, 2026,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">\u00a0Status on Capitol Hill<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">\u00a0update<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217514857 BCX8\">).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now, the Senate will meet in the first week of June to consider their version of\u00a0a Farm\u00a0Bill.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This comes at a time when houses of worship, food pantries, state governors,\u00a0farmers\u00a0and global partners are reporting alarming new rates of food requests in our communities.\u00a0\u201cIn recent months,\u00a0rising inflation, job\u00a0losses\u00a0and reduced government benefits have made it harder for families nationwide to afford the food they need. Feeding ministries across ELCA World Hunger\u2019s network are reporting lines two or even three times longer than before, with fewer donations coming in,\u201d\u00a0reports\u00a0LifeLines\u00a0(Spring 2026)\u00a0from ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response.\u00a0Furthermore,\u00a0ELCA World Hunger\u00a0received over 15 times the number of Daily Bread grant applications\u00a0in 2025\u00a0than in 2024.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Compounding concerns\u00a0are\u00a0the upcoming H.R. 1 changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) that\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/frac.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/SNAP-Cost-Shift-Table.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">would shift costs to states<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0Alarms are being raised\u00a0that\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nga.org\/advocacy-communications\/letters-nga\/nga-joins-coalition-letter-outlining-snap-recommendations\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">state budgets<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and local organizations are not prepared to meet the rapidly rising demand being placed on them.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our advocacy in\u00a0the ELCA is\u00a0steadfastly\u00a0urging\u00a0Senate\u00a0passage of\u00a0a Farm Bill that\u00a0promotes\u00a0vitality\u00a0for\u00a0rural communities and\u00a0relief for\u00a0hungry families.\u00a0ELCA social statements call for policies that provide adequate nutrition for all and create livelihood opportunities that are genuinely sustainable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Senate leadership has\u00a0indicated\u00a0an openness\u00a0to hear\u00a0arguments\u00a0against\u00a0the SNAP cost-shift to states, among\u00a0other negotiations, to ensure a Farm Bill reaches 60 votes to pass in the chamber.\u00a0A\u00a0current\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/act.elca.org\/page\/98608\/action\/1?chain\">Action Alert<\/a>\u00a0is one of the ELCA\u2019s advocacy opportunities\u00a0in\u00a0this moment to urge\u00a0the Senate to reject the codification of cuts to SNAP, prioritize provisions that strengthen innovative practices for soil health and agroforestry, reauthorize key international food aid programs\u00a0and make permanent the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<style>#sp-ea-7790 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-7790.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-7790.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-7790.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-7790.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-7790.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1725637243\"><div id=\"sp-ea-7790\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77900\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77900\" aria-controls=\"collapse77900\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> March 5, 2026<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse77900\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77900\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>The House Agriculture committee chair, Rep. Glen Thompson (PA-15), released a 2026 Farm Bill proposal on Feb. 13, 2026. The bill passed a committee markup on March 5 and is now awaiting a full floor vote in the House.<\/p><p>Various provisions are welcome, including: <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.house.gov\/uploadedfiles\/final_ffns26_titlesummaries.pdf\">renewing critical farmer assistance programs<\/a>, restarting effective <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/4782\">Farm-to-Food Bank initiatives<\/a>, investing in rural development and broadband, reauthorizing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/118th-congress\/house-bill\/4856\">Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program<\/a> (GusNIP) and international food aid programs, continuing support for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrcs.usda.gov\/programs-initiatives\/environmental-quality-incentives-program\">Environmental Quality Incentives Program<\/a> (EQIP) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrcs.usda.gov\/programs-initiatives\/conservation-reserve-program\">Conservation Reserve Program<\/a> (CRP), and more. After years of temporary annual extensions, farmers, rural communities and agriculture researchers need policy stability and funding guarantees that this legislation will help establish.<\/p><p>However, despite these welcome and very urgently needed provisions, the bill falls short of addressing the overwhelming needs of farmers, food-insecure families at home and overseas, and the environment. Drastic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.naco.org\/resource\/hr-1-and-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-what-counties-should-know\">changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)<\/a> in the 2025 budget reconciliation package, <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.house.gov\/uploadedfiles\/final_2026_ffp_onepager.pdf\">changes to the Food for Peace Title II program<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/sustainableagriculture.net\/blog\/comment-in-moment-of-need-house-farm-bill-underdelivers-with-empty-promises\/\">a lack of funding for new farmer opportunities<\/a> are just a few examples of this bill not meeting the moment.<\/p><p>With the last Farm Bill passed in 2018, we now more than ever need a bold, holistic Farm Bill to meet the challenges of 2026.<\/p><p>The ELCA continues <strong>to urge<\/strong> <strong>Congress to pass a Farm Bill reauthorization that promotes food for hungry neighbors at home and abroad, healthy rural and farming communities, the inclusion of people of all backgrounds, and creation care to feed future generations. <\/strong>Specific priorities in the current discussion include<strong>:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Reverse the changes made to SNAP in H.R. 1 through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/6088\/text\/ih\">Restoring Food Security for American Families Act<\/a> (H.R. 6088). This bill would stop the implementation of newly imposed work requirements and the cost shift of SNAP to states, and it would restore SNAP for mixed-immigration-status families and refugees. The last Household Food Security Survey conducted by the USDA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ers.usda.gov\/topics\/food-nutrition-assistance\/food-security-in-the-us\/media-resources\">showed 18.3 million households are facing food insecurity<\/a>.<\/li><li>Create a formal process to transition Puerto Rico to SNAP through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/5168\">Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act<\/a> (H.R. 5168).<\/li><li>Protect vital international food aid programs, such as Food for Peace (Title II) and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fas.usda.gov\/programs\/mcgovern-dole-food-education-program\">McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition<\/a> initiative, and preserve flexible implementation tools such as local\/regional procurement of food, cash transfers, and use of vouchers to ensure service providers can use suitable tools based on local realities of those being served.<\/li><li>Restore the Food for Peace U.S. commodity floor to 30 percent as was in the previous farm bill. As it stands, this farm bill requires that at least 50 percent of Food for Peace aid be sourced from the U.S. and shipped on U.S. vessels, which means less programming funding will be available to effectively reach people most in need, as it is more costly to ship food from the U.S.; more money can be saved by purchasing food closer to where it is needed.<\/li><li>Include the bipartisan <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/4296?s=1&amp;r=3&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22CROP+for+farming%22%7D\">CROP for Farming Act<\/a> (H.R. 4296), which would strengthen conservation efforts and equip farmers to improve soil health, boost productivity, and reduce harmful emissions by updating the Food Security Act of 1985 to recognize and support farming practices aimed at reducing nitrous oxide and methane emissions while promoting carbon storage in soil and vegetation. By updating EQIP, this bill encourages practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and improved grazing management\u2014strategies that enhance soil fertility, improve water retention, and support long-term farm resilience.<\/li><li>Promote innovative practices for soil health through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/5902?s=3&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22innovative+Practices+for+Soil+Health%22%7D\">Innovative Practices for\u00a0Soil\u00a0Health\u00a0Act of 2025<\/a> (H.R. 5902), improving soil structure, preventing erosion, increasing ecosystem nutrient retention, and promoting carbon sequestration. This bill would support farmers by improving USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs, the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and EQIP; increasing technical assistance for farmers installing perennial systems; and designating four national and regional agroforestry centers.<\/li><li>Include the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/2883?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22No+time+to+waste%22%7D&amp;s=4&amp;r=1\">NO TIME TO Waste Act<\/a> (H.R. 2883), directing USDA to reduce U.S. food loss and waste through federal coordination, grants, and education.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77901\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77901\" aria-controls=\"collapse77901\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Oct. 10, 2025<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse77901\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77901\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>As of this day in October 2025, the Farm Bill has expired, leaving critical hunger networks and many in rural communities in policy limbo. It was last reauthorized in 2018 and temporarily extended through September 30, 2025. This comprehensive legislation traditionally governs SNAP nutrition assistance, rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and farm-to-food bank connections that many of our congregations and social ministry organizations depend upon to serve those in need.<\/p><p>With the Farm Bill\u2019s expiration, lawmakers have the opportunity to craft new legislation that strengthens our ability to support the hungry and those of us in the greatest need. We urge our representatives to support a renewed Farm Bill that <a href=\"https:\/\/frac.org\/news\/deadlinesnapcutsoct2025\">prevents upcoming barriers to SNAP benefits<\/a>, recognizing that these programs are lifelines for struggling families in our communities\u2014including many in rural America facing mounting economic pressures from tariffs, declining commodity prices, and rising production costs.<\/p><p>The expiration has particularly impacted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmbilllaw.org\/2025\/05\/11\/the-2018-farm-bills-orphan-programs\/\">\u201corphan\u201d programs<\/a>, which have lacked reliable funding since 2023 \u2013 including agricultural research programs, scholarships for young farmers, and oversubscribed conservation programs. International feeding initiatives, such as Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole school feeding program\u2014which provide meals to hungry children worldwide\u2014face uncertain futures. Domestically, farm-to-food bank programs that connect agricultural abundance with hungry neighbors have lost critical support, straining food ministries operated by Lutheran Social Services, church food pantries, and other faith-based hunger relief ministries already stretched thin by increased demand.<\/p><p>Congregations often witness firsthand how families who steward the land and feed our nation are themselves struggling. Through Action Alerts and federal advocacy, we ask lawmakers to restore these vital programs and support policies that uplift both rural communities and the vulnerable populations our faith compels us to serve.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77902\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77902\" aria-controls=\"collapse77902\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Jan. 15, 2025<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse77902\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77902\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>UPDATE FROM <a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmaid.org\/issues\/farm-policy\/the-latest-updates-on-the-2023-farm-bill\/\">FARMAID.ORG<\/a> (1\/3\/25): \"The last action of the 118th Congress was to narrowly avert a government shutdown and pass a one-year farm bill extension. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/118th-congress\/house-bill\/10545\">The American Relief Act, 2025<\/a> extends government funding through March 14, 2024, grants a one-year extension to certain parts of the 2018 farm bill, and provides $110 billion in disaster assistance for relief efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Western regions, including $31 billion for agriculture producers.<\/p><p>\"Disappointingly, the final deal resulted in cutting $177 million of funding for USDA\u2019s 'orphan' programs (programs without baseline funding)... Devastatingly for the communities and farmers they serve, these programs will cease to operate as their funding runs out in the coming months.<\/p><p>\"...The Senate and House agriculture committees, the two committees responsible for drafting the farm bill, will have new leadership in the next Congress... Heading into 2025, Congress is faced with passing a new farm bill.\"<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77903\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77903\" aria-controls=\"collapse77903\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Sep. 2, 2024<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse77903\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77903\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>The week of Sept. 9th, members of Congress will return to Capitol Hill for three weeks of legislative action before Election Day.<\/p><p>In congressional meetings across the House and Senate over August recess, ELCA Witness in Society staff continued to press for passage of the Farm Bill alongside many Lutheran constituents from their districts. Congressional staff from both sides of the political aisle have indicated determination to pass a Farm Bill this year \u2013 but with limited legislative days remaining in the calendar year, the opportunity to advance a measure is quickly slipping away.<\/p><p>Lawmakers may consider a temporary extension of the expiring Farm Bill at the end of September or December as existing programmatic authorization runs out. If a Farm Bill is not passed by 2025, due to anticipated committee political confirmations, new Congressional priorities, and other complications, the next likely opportunity to pass the bill would be closer to the end of the year in 2025.<\/p><p>Ahead of Election Day, it is critical that lawmakers continue to hear that hunger, our food systems, and the vitality of our rural communities and our environment are of core concern for Lutherans across the U.S. In particular, highlighting the need to preserve and boost support for BOTH hunger programs AND our farming communities should be a critical priority \u2013 as these have become one of the last major points of contention in negotiations.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77904\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77904\" aria-controls=\"collapse77904\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Jun. 29, 2024<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse77904\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77904\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>For the last several months, ELCA congregational leaders and advocacy staff have been doing a series of farm bill meetings with policymakers in Congress. Nonetheless, the 2024 Farm Bill has hit a roadblock in the House of Representatives due in large part to the partisan debate around cuts to SNAP. It is possible that the legislation could move as early as November, after the election. The current more partisan Farm Bill in the House would rely heavily on Republican votes and would have extreme difficulty passing through the House Rules Committee \u2013 much less the floor of the House \u2013 due to a slim majority in the chamber. Democrats are unlikely to support the existing House bill due to severe cuts in SNAP funding, the repurposing of conservation funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and changes to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).<\/p><p>On the Senate side, Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) released a counterproposal to Chairwoman Stabenow\u2019s (D-MI) own draft Farm Bill framework. The Senate Republican proposal includes similar House changes to SNAP, IRA funds, and CCC. With limited congressional calendar space between now and general elections in November, lawmakers in the Senate are working to negotiate a bipartisan Farm Bill with the hope of passing a bill on the floor after Election Day.<\/p><p>ELCA Witness in Society staff met with several dozen congressional offices over the month of June, alongside Lutheran advocates, service providers, and hunger ministry leaders living in key congressional districts. Highlighting the work of our core hunger ministries and the need to support core faith priorities, these meetings are set to continue through July as legislators prepare for a long August recess.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77905\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77905\" aria-controls=\"collapse77905\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> May 22, 2024<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse77905\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77905\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>The U. S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee, led by Chair G.T. Thompson (PA-15), released the proposed bill text for the multi-year package of legislation known as the Farm Bill. Find text here. As written, the proposed legislation includes things to celebrate and concerns for our priorities.<\/p><p>To note, this bill includes the RESTORE Act, which repeals the denial of SNAP benefits for certain individuals with previous drug-related convictions. This bill also incorporates innovative policies that aim to support farmers, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen rural development: most notably are the provisions that will help streamline rural development permitting processes and reinforcing broadband connectivity in rural communities. Additionally, this proposal would be the largest investment in conservation programs, to date.<\/p><p>With deep gratitude for these provisions, we have some concerns with the nutrition program and the conservation title that conflict with our priorities. This version of the Farm Bill, proposed by the House Agriculture Committee, would limit the ability to update the Thrifty Food Plan, which provides the basis for calculating SNAP benefits. Also the additional funds for the conservation program, that had originally been set aside for \u201cclimate-smart agriculture\u201d incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, would lose those climate-smart requirements under this proposal. The House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to mark up this draft legislation on Thu., May 23.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77906\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77906\" aria-controls=\"collapse77906\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> May 1, 2024<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse77906\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77906\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>The House and Senate Agriculture Committees are in the process of drafting their versions of the 2024 Farm Bill. Lawmakers must reauthorize the Farm Bill or pass a temporary extension to keep program operations running by September 2024, when the current legislation expires.<\/p><p>Though there is little legislative calendar space to pass a Farm Bill in this Election Year, House Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) has indicated his aims to markup a bill in committee around Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd (see summary here). Ahead of the markup, Rep. Thompson\u2019s office has issued some early proposed changes to the SNAP program, which some estimate would reduce hunger funding in SNAP by $30 bn over the next decade.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-77907\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse77907\" aria-controls=\"collapse77907\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Jan. 1, 2024<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse77907\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-7790\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-77907\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>\u201cThe 2023 Farm Bill reauthorization is delayed. Since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted on December 20, 2018, an extension has allowed authorized programs to continue through Sept. 30, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency assures that \u201c[the] Farm Bill continues its strong support for America\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and forest stewards through a variety of safety net, farm loan, conservation, and disaster assistance program.\u201d However, our faith-based advocacy in the process remains active toward passing a 5-year Farm Bill.\u201d<\/p><p>Read more about a full brief on the Farm Bill released at the start of 2024 here.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"farmbillalerts\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-7615 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2-525x350.png 525w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleactionalertsv2.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Action Alerts<\/h2>\n<p>Future Farm Bill Action Alerts will be added to this page &#8211; but you can be notified directly by <strong>signing up for the ELCA Advocacy Network<\/strong>. New Action Alerts and monthly updates are sent to the network, which you sign up for\ud83d\udcdd<a href=\"https:\/\/give.elca.org\/page\/65066\/subscriptions\/1\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/act.elca.org\/page\/98608\/action\/1?chain\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-8790\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2026\/05\/260527aafarmbillsenateonly-150x150.png\" alt=\"A green tractor with a red plow in a lush field, with a golden cornfield, trees, and a house in the background.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300\"><strong>Take Action as Senate Considers Farm Bill Next<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/act.elca.org\/page\/98608\/action\/1?chain\">The Farm Bill is now being considered in the Senate, and sharing your experiences and values can help shape a result that meets rural and nutritional needs.<\/a> [Posted: 5\/27\/2026]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"resources\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-7612 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3-525x350.png 525w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitleresourcesv3.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Resources &amp; Webinars<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-teams=\"true\">VIDEO: &#8220;<a id=\"menur2129\" class=\"fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/5mawnxade-e?si=-akcr_jlqiszwehy\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/5mawnxaDE-E?si=-akcR_jlQISZwEHY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link Farm Bill conversation\">Farm Bill Conversation<\/a>&#8221; with presenter Alex Parker, ELCA Advocacy Coordinator (Recorded 6\/19\/24). ELCA Region 1 Conversation about the 2024 Farm Bill.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>RESOURCE PAGE: &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.naco.org\/resource\/hr-1-and-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-what-counties-should-know\">H.R. 1 and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): What Counties Should Know<\/a>&#8221; (Oct. 31, 2025). From the National Association of Counties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"ourcollectivevoice\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7613 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice-525x350.png 525w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/05\/2405-farmbillengement-subtitlecollectivevoice.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Our Collective Voice<\/h2>\n<p>By raising our collective voice, we can help enact a more just Farm Bill that leaves no one hungry. In your location and federally, let&#8217;s act boldly to end hunger and poverty in our time and ensuring healthy creation to feed future generations.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some other ideas for making your voice heard.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Write <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/advocacy\/writing-a-letter-to-the-editor\/\">a letter to the editor<\/a> of your local newspaper on the importance of anti-hunger and pro-farmer policies in the Farm Bill.<\/li>\n<li>Attend town halls or public events with your members of Congress to ask questions about their Farm Bill priorities.<\/li>\n<li>Pray for those experiencing hunger and for our elected officials to have wisdom and compassion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>STATUS ON CAPITOL HILL | ACTION ALERTS | RESOURCES AND WEBINARS | OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE The Farm Bill, which guides much of U.S. agriculture, rural and food policy, is currently being debated in Congress. The ELCA urges Congress to pass a 2026 Farm Bill that promotes priorities consistent with our advocacy during 2023-24 Farm Bill [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":254,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1400],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-post"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Farm Bill Engagement Updates - ELCA Advocacy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/farm-bill-engagement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Farm Bill Engagement Updates - ELCA Advocacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"STATUS ON CAPITOL HILL | ACTION ALERTS | RESOURCES AND WEBINARS | OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE The Farm Bill, which guides much of U.S. agriculture, rural and food policy, is currently being debated in Congress. 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