This week our nation marked 163 years since the signing of the Homestead Act, legislation enacted by President Lincoln which played a key role in the development of farmland across Nebraska and rural America. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and sacrifice, the Third District became a global breadbasket, and today, agriculture remains the economic driver of our state. For the future of agriculture, advancing sound domestic and international trade policy is critical to keep pace with innovation and secure prosperity for our communities.
On Monday, Governor Jim Pillen and I welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on a visit to Nebraska. It was a tremendous opportunity to showcase our world-leading biofuel, livestock, and crop producers. Secretary Rollins understands key issues and is an outstanding advocate for American agriculture.
We kicked off the tour at the 650-acre Bioscience Complex in Blair. From biofuels to food products to material manufacturing, agriculture outputs have become astoundingly diversified and make our nation’s economy more resilient. A recent estimate by Growth Energy showed E15 fuel blends are providing American drivers with the potential to save $110 million just over the Memorial Day weekend.
After farm stops in Fremont and Valparaiso, we held a roundtable with local agriculture producers where Secretary Rollins announced the administration’s new Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda. This initiative will expand markets for our hardworking producers, deliver regulatory relief, promote long-term certainty, and ensure the accessibility of USDA resources for American farming families working tirelessly to feed and fuel the world.
Given a level playing field, our producers are the most productive on the planet. U.S. beef, for example, is the world standard—produced sustainably and efficiently. In fact, American ranchers supply 19 percent of the world’s beef from only 6 percent of the world’s cattle. This is why reducing unscientific barriers to international markets is so important for delivering our products to eager consumers.
For this reason, I commend President Trump and his administration for conducting swift trade negotiations with the United Kingdom to the mutual benefit of our producers, job creators, and consumers. Increased access for agriculture products such as beef and ethanol are significant steps as we work toward fully eliminating barriers to American agriculture products. I am pleased the administration has indicated it continues to pursue dynamic dialogue with the United Kingdom to address additional concerns, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure long-term durability of such agreements.
Additionally, the historic legislative package passed by the House this week includes landmark tax relief for the agriculture industry. The increase to the 199A pass-through deduction applies to 98 percent of American farms. Permanent Death Tax relief will help protect family farms and small businesses for generations. Furthermore, updates to Farm Bill programs through a much-needed full extension will offer certainty needed by hardworking producers and unlock economic growth for rural communities.
As the legislative process and trade negotiations move forward, I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ and President Trump’s understanding of the challenges facing farming and ranching families. I will continue to work with them and my congressional colleagues to develop forward-thinking policies so Nebraska’s families can plan for a prosperous future.