Congressman Mike Lawler announced on Apr. 30 that he voted in favor of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill. The legislation passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 224-200 and will now proceed to the Senate.
The bill reauthorizes and updates programs managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through 2031. It includes measures to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and related nutrition initiatives, enhance land conservation efforts for agricultural lands and forests across the country, and promote research and innovation in agriculture. Provisions are also included to improve broadband access in rural areas, reinforce farm safety nets, and support specialty crop research.
“I was proud to vote for a Farm Bill that keeps food on the table for New Yorkers. This legislation delivers real support for our state’s specialty crop industry, including the fruits and vegetables grown right here in the Hudson Valley. In a region where orchards, nurseries, and small family farms rely on those crops for their livelihoods, this being one of the most pro-specialty crop Farm Bills in history is especially meaningful for our district,” said Congressman Lawler.
The bill incorporates language from five bills introduced by Lawler: CROP for Farming Act (prioritizing USDA funds toward greenhouse gas reduction), LEAPS Act (educational tools about energy-efficient pumping systems), NO TIME TO Waste Act (reducing food loss), Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act (updating cybersecurity protections), and Youth Lead Act (expanding youth agricultural programs).
“The Farm Bill strengthens our agri-food supply chain while investing critical USDA resources in environmental protection. I was glad to work with Chairman Thompson to ensure New Yorkers will see the benefits of this bill in their daily lives,” concluded Lawler.
Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City. He is recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members.
