WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for approving the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, H.R. 2, also known as the Farm Bill. The legislation promotes prosperity in rural America, providing stability for Kentucky farmers, protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and investing in rural broadband development.

"This vital legislation will provide a shot in the arm to rural America, which continues to struggle under the weight of economic uncertainty even as other parts of the country experience unprecedented growth. We are making real investments in our rural communities, including those in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, which will undoubtedly lead to new jobs and a brighter future," said Rogers. "This bill also promotes strong agriculture policies to reverse a 52-percent decline in our farm economy. It strengthens the farm safety net, streamlines and reduces regulatory burdens, helps aspiring young farmers and ranchers enter the industry, and maintains trade promotion for our crucial agricultural exports. I am proud to stand with the Kentucky Farm Bureau in support of this bill to keep this faith with our Commonwealth’s farmers and ranchers."

"The bill also implements 35 improvements to our nation’s flagship nutrition program, SNAP and boosts workforce development. The Farm Bill modernizes the SNAP program in a way that guarantees every participant has access to the services needed to get back on their feet. It reinvests in the future of SNAP recipients by assisting with education and training to help work-capable adults escape poverty once and for all," continued Rogers. "The legislation also ensures that our seniors, children, individuals with disabilities and pregnant women will continue to receive SNAP benefits as needed, while protecting the sustainability of the program for generations to follow. These reforms will increase opportunity for current SNAP beneficiaries, while preserving the resources for the most vulnerable among us who struggle every week to put food on the table."

"Broadband is of vital importance to the future economy and quality of life in our rural region. I'm pleased that this bill increases authorized appropriations for rural broadband to help plant and cultivate the seeds of technological innovation for years to come, and I am confident these federal investments will work in lock step with our vision for Kentucky Wired," said Rogers.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.