In Springfield, IL, on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (a member of the House Agriculture Committee) invited Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to meet with the President of the Illinois Farm Bureau. Leaders discussed farm conditions, infrastructure, biofuels, and President Donald Trump’s reckless trade war. They also discussed prospects for a potential trade deal with Canada and Mexico.
“We greatly appreciate our productive discussion today, with Speaker Pelosi and Representative Bustos on key issues facing farmers in Illinois,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert. “As we’ve seen our export markets shrink, farmers are anxious to see timely Congressional action on the U. S., Mexico, Canada Agreement; support for biofuels; a robust infrastructure package that repairs our aging locks and dams. We left the meeting confident in the Speaker’s approach and in her determination to reach a strong agreement for our family farmers.”
Congresswoman Bustos said, “Illinois farmers are facing tough times right now. I want to thank Speaker Pelosi for coming to Illinois and taking the time to hear from them directly. Mother Nature has been unforgiving this year, but farmers can’t seem to catch a break from the White House, either. Between undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard and waging a dangerous trade war, President Trump has turned his back on rural America at nearly every turn. Our House Democratic majority is committed to giving rural communities the strong, stable leadership they deserve.”
“It was an honor to join Congresswoman Bustos to listen and learn from the leaders of the Illinois Farm Bureau, particularly during this difficult time for America’s farming families,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “Farmers and rural communities across America are struggling under the weight of a weak farm economy, as prices and incomes plummet, and more and more families are at risk of losing the farm. Yet, sadly, the President continues to push reckless policies that cruelly jeopardize [farmers’] financial security and well-being. Our Democratic House is proud to have fought to secure billions to help rural communities rebuild after historic flooding, and to fight every day to strengthen the farmer safety net, advance smart trade policies that help farmers, and deliver the certainty and stability that farming communities need and deserve.”
Congresswoman Bustos stands second from the left, with Speaker Pelosi fourth from the left.
