House Agriculture holds a hearing on challenges facing American agriculture

On Tuesday, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to discuss the challenges facing American agricultural producers and consumers. Members of Congress and witnesses discussed regulatory challenges regarding pesticides and waters of the United States, high input costs, impacts of global markets on domestic producers, consolidation within the agricultural industry, and challenges in the transportation sector. This was the first hearing in the House of the 118^th Congress. A recording of the hearing can be found here.

Senate Agriculture holds a hearing on conservation and forestry

On Wednesday, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing on forestry and conservation programs as it prepares for the upcoming farm bill. Members of the committee and witnesses from the Department of Agriculture discussed how the programs are currently operating and provided feedback on improving access in the future. During the hearing, Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) noted the importance of flooded rice fields in providing habitat for migratory waterfowl and advocated for protecting both wildlife and rice farmers through farm bill conservation programs. A recording of the hearing can be found here.

House Transportation & Infrastructure votes to overturn WOTUS rule

On Wednesday, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee voted to advance a resolution overturning the Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule. The Committee voted on a party-line 30-22 vote to approve the Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval. The resolution will now move to the House floor for full chamber consideration.