Bills · HR 2396
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2396Agriculture and Food
Honor Farmer Contracts Act
INTRO MAR 27· LAST ACTION APR 18
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses the reliability of government commitments to the agricultural sector, which is vital for the nation's food supply and rural economies. If the government can easily freeze funding or cancel contracts, it creates a lot of uncertainty for farmers who rely on these agreements to plan their operations, invest in equipment, or implement conservation practices. This uncertainty can jeopardize their livelihoods and potentially impact food production.
Moreover, the bill's provisions against arbitrary office closures are important for maintaining accessible services in rural areas. Local USDA offices are often critical hubs for farmers to get information, apply for loans, and receive direct assistance. Protecting these offices helps ensure that all farmers, regardless of their location, can easily access the support they need, fostering a more stable and equitable agricultural system.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately unfreeze funding for and implement all written agreements and contracts entered into before the bill's enactment.
This ensures that existing government promises to farmers are upheld, providing financial stability and predictability for agricultural operations.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that the USDA pay all past due amounts owed under these pre-existing contracts as rapidly as possible.
This provision addresses potential financial hardships for farmers by ensuring they receive timely payments for services or commitments already made.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits the USDA from canceling any signed contract with a farmer or entity assisting farmers, unless the farmer or entity has failed to comply with the contract terms.
This protects farmers from arbitrary contract terminations, allowing them to rely on government agreements for long-term planning.
PROVISION 04
Prohibits the closure of any Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development local office without providing 60 days' written notice and justification to Congress.
This ensures transparency and oversight regarding the closure of critical local service centers for farmers, preserving access to assistance in rural communities.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
D· New Mexico
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
35
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 13 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSAPR 18
Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.
MAR 27
Introduced in House
MAR 27
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2396
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 27, 2025
Last actionApr 18, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 27, 2025
House BillHR 2396Agriculture and Food
Honor Farmer Contracts Act
INTRODUCED MAR 27, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 18, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
