SENS. BRAUN, TESTER, MARSHALL AND RICKETTS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PRIORITIZE AMERICAN-GROWN COMMODITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL FOOD AID

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WASHINGTON—Today, Senators Mike Braun, Jon Tester, Roger Marshall and Pete Ricketts introduced bipartisan legislation to enshrine a continued role for American farmers in the Food for Peace (FFP) program and increase accountability and transparency in FFP program functions.

U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), John Garamendi (CA-08), Rick Crawford (AR-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives in June.

“American farmers have played a critical role in reducing hunger overseas for decades. The bipartisan American Farmers Feed the World Act would ensure that American-grown food is prioritized over foreign competitors for American aid programs around the world. It will also allow for more efficient use of funding so we can feed even more hungry people without any additional taxpayer dollars.” — Sen. Mike Braun

“As a third-generation farmer, I know first-hand that Montana farmers produce the very best food that feeds the world. This bill ensures American-grown crops are prioritized when it comes to international aid – and the bottom line is it’s a win for our farmers on years where they grow more than they can sell, and it’s a win for hungry families around the world.” — Sen. Jon Tester

“Helping people in need is in Kansas’ DNA. Seventy years ago, Peter O’Brien stood up in Cheyenne County, Kansas and declared that Kansas farmers could donate their grain as aid to struggling nations, and shortly after, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act was signed into law by President Eisenhower. Back then, American farmers and lawmakers shared one common goal: send safe, nutritious commodities from American farms to countries in need in order to help them survive through trying times. Today, we proudly continue that mission through the America’s Farmers Feed The World Act.” — Sen. Roger Marshall

The American Farmers Feed the World Act would:

  • Reserve half of FFP dollars for purchasing commodities and shipping them overseas,
  • Reduce the maximum share for 202(e) spending in FFP from 20 percent to 10 percent
  • Move key decisionmaking points from USAID to USDA
  • Prohibit the use of food vouchers or cash transfers instead of food, and
  • Increase reporting requirements around any waivers granted under FFP.

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