Houchin: Priorities are advancing Farm Bill and year-round E15 sales 

By U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Dist. 9) 

Farming is more than an important part of our national economy – it is a way of life. Indiana farmers are more than agricultural producers; they are the cornerstones of our communities and stewards of a tradition that has shaped America. 

Their work reaches far beyond the farm into every sector of our economy, supporting manufacturers, small businesses, families and communities across our state and the entire country. 

That is why one of my priorities in Congress is making sure Indiana farmers have the tools and support they need to succeed. 

For too long, farmers have faced uncertainty from Washington. The last Farm Bill was signed into law in 2018, nearly a decade ago. Precision agriculture, seed sciences and technology have progressed exponentially since then. Our farmers cannot afford to wait any longer. 

So, I proudly supported the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 (the Farm Bill) and will continue working with my colleagues to advance this critical legislation through the Senate. 

The Farm Bill touches nearly every aspect of agriculture, from crop insurance and commodity programs to conservation, rural development, and nutrition. Most importantly, it provides farmers with greater certainty as they make decisions that can affect their operations for years to come. 

But there are other challenges that Congress can address. We also need to ensure farmers have access to strong and reliable markets for their products. 

This is where the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act comes in. I worked to secure a House floor vote on this legislation that would allow for year-round sales of E15 across all of America. Outdated regulations should not be stifling opportunities for Indiana corn growers. This legislation passed the House, the first time we have voted on year-round E15 since I came to Congress. 

Bringing this legislation through the Senate and to the desk of President Trump will reduce costs for families while creating meaningful market opportunities for our farmers. 

In the Working Families Tax Cut Act, Congress also delivered historic tax relief for farmers by permanently increasing the federal basic estate, gift, and generation skipping transfer tax exemption to $15 million per individual, doubling it to $30 million for married couples. Our farmers have worked far too hard to have to give over the fruits of their labor to the government at the end of their working lives, and I am committed to protecting their investments for the future. 

Indiana farmers do not ask for much. They want a level playing field, a strong safety net and policies that give them the certainty to do what they do best: grow, produce, and feed the world. 

I am committed to bringing their voices to Washington and making sure our policies work for the people who keep America moving forward.