By U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan
Democratic Party, Indiana District 1
As the Representative for Indiana’s First Congressional District, I am grateful for the dedicated work and essential contributions of all of the members of our state’s agricultural industry, which supports not just our economy, but the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout our nation and the world.
I always feel fortunate to be able to spend time with farmers and members of the agricultural community in Northwest Indiana, as well as with representatives of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Growers Association, to see their operations and hear about the status of the harvests, crop prices, and the impact of state, local and federal policies.
One of the items highlighted in these discussions is the implementation of the transformational federal investments included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I was proud to support this historic law in the 117th Congress and appreciate that it is actively funding needed inland waterway projects and improvements to our transportation networks, including roads, bridges, and railways.
I look forward to continuing to conduct appropriate oversight of the administration’s implementation of these funds so that members of the agricultural industry and our economy receive these benefits as soon as possible.
Another item that is frequently part of these discussions is the status of the Farm Bill reauthorization. I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Jim Baird, my Congressional neighbor to the south of the First District and member of the House Agriculture Committee.
I was proud to sign his letter last year to the House Agriculture Committee, along with all of the other Members of the Indiana House delegation, that specified our priorities for the Farm Bill reauthorization. Specifically, the letter noted our support for a robust crop insurance program, with no reductions in premium cost share, as well as ensuring that all federal conservation programs remain voluntary and incentive based.
As we proceed in the 118th Congress and the consideration of the reauthorization of the farm bill, as well as the funding of the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 Agriculture Appropriation bills, I look forward to staying in touch, completing this work as soon as possible, and doing all we can to continue to support the invaluable work of all members of the Indiana agricultural community.
