Statements
Congressman David Scott Statement on His Opposition to the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Washington,
March 5, 2026
WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement regarding his opposition to the Farm, Food, and the National Security Act of 2026. “While I strongly believe Congress must deliver a bipartisan Farm Bill that provides stability for producers and protects our nation’s food security, I could not support this legislation as written. “Our farmers are facing real economic pain. Reckless trade policies and tariff-driven trade wars have cost American producers critical export markets. Longstanding buyers have shifted to competitors like Brazil and Argentina, and many family farms are struggling to stay afloat. Yet, this bill failed to provide additional relief to the producers who were hurt the most. At a time when rural America needs certainty and support, this bill falls short. “Equally concerning, this legislation doubled down on devastating cuts to nutrition assistance. Last year, Republicans slashed nearly $187 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest cut to food assistance in American history. Instead of reversing those harmful reductions, this bill removed positive investments previously included in the House’s bipartisan 2024 Farm Bill framework. As grocery prices remain high and families continue to feel economic strain, eliminating increased funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) hurts working families and seniors who rely on these programs. “I am particularly disappointed that this bill failed to make the 1890s Scholarship Program permanent. The 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities represent a proud and essential part of our nation’s agricultural history, especially across the South. Since its creation in 2018, the 1890s Scholarship has helped African American students pursue degrees in agriculture, food sciences, and related fields, strengthening the next generation of agricultural leaders. That is why I offered an amendment to permanently authorize the 1890s Scholarship and increase its funding from $20 million to $25 million annually. Yet Republicans chose to block this modest, commonsense increase. In doing so, they blocked opportunities for students, undercut workforce development in rural communities, and turned their backs on the next generation of agricultural leaders. When given the choice between investing in proven success or playing partisan politics, they chose politics. “Our farmers deserve stability. Our families deserve food security. Our students deserve opportunity. This bill does not meet that standard.” ### |