Bacon, Don RSS Articles

Planetary Science Caucus Co-Chairs Bacon & Chu Issue Statement on White House’s Proposed Budget Cuts to NASA Science

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Planetary Science Caucus Co-Chairs Bacon & Chu Issue Statement on White House’s Proposed Budget Cuts to NASA Science

WASHINGTON – Last week, President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request, which proposes to cut NASA’s overall budget by 23% and cut NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) by 47%. This request would also terminate more than 40 space missions, including the Mars Sample Return mission led by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a first-of-its-kind mission to return samples from Mars to Earth and unlock groundbreaking insights into the planet’s history and the potential for past life.

Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and Judy Chu (CA-28), who co-Chair the bipartisan Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, released the following joint statement in response:

“We are deeply alarmed that the Administration is once again proposing significant budget cuts to NASA and its science programs. NASA Science supports thousands of jobs and is essential to U.S. national security and leadership in space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. These drastic cuts would create enormous chaos and uncertainty for critical missions, the scientific workforce, and long-term research planning. At the same time, current funding for NASA Science has not kept pace with inflation, underscoring the need for more investment, not less. That is why, just weeks ago, we led over 100 bipartisan House Members in a letter to appropriators urging increased funding for NASA Science, and we will continue working on a bipartisan basis to ensure NASA receives the full, sustained funding it needs to lead the world in discovery and exploration.”

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Bacon, Panetta Introduce the Bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bacon, Panetta Introduce the Bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act

Washington - Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) today introduced the bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act, which eliminates President Donald Trump’s most recent tariffs while providing retroactive relief to importers harmed by his trade policies. This bill, also co-led by House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (CA-38), will refund importers who paid duties and prevent the President from reissuing similar tariffs.

This bill strikes down the 10% tariffs issued by President Trump under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. It requires that importers are reimbursed and prohibits the issuance of successive similar tariffs. By doing so, the bill provides relief to importers from blanket global tariffs and prevents the Administration from illegally issuing similar tariffs.

“Article One, Section Eight, Clause One of the Constitution gives Congress authority over tariffs and trade, and it’s time Congress stands on its own two feet and does its job,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act as a step toward restoring Congress’s role, providing relief to American businesses and consumers, and preventing the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs. Across-the-board tariffs like these raise costs for families and create unnecessary economic uncertainty.”

“American consumers and businesses have shouldered the consequences of President Trump’s illegal and incoherent tariff policy,” said Rep. Panetta. “My legislation would lift the most recent across-the-board tariffs under Section 122 and make whole those who have been harmed. Although Congress abdicated its Constitutional obligations for trade policy over the past few decades, it’s past time for us to reclaim our authority from the executive branch not just with lawsuits, but with legislation.”

“President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs are a clear attempt to sidestep Congress and reimpose his failed tariffs after the Supreme Court struck them down,” said Rep. Sánchez. “I am proud to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act to strike down these new tariffs and give needed relief to the American families who have suffered from higher prices as a result of Trump’s tariff regime.”

President Trump’s most recent tariffs were improperly imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Section 122 allows for the President to impose a 15 percent tariff for balance of payments, which was created when the U.S. dollar was on the gold standard. Following the Supreme court’s ruling in February negating his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy tariffs, the Trump Administration has imposed a 10 percent tariff on all imports to address “balance of payments.” Since the U.S. no longer operates on the Gold Standard, there is no legal justification for using this authority.

The Stop Global Tariffs Act is cosponsored by: Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03).

Full text of the bill is available here.

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Bacon, Pappas Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Predatory Practices Used by Claim Sharks

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bacon, Pappas Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Predatory Practices Used by Claim Sharks

Legislation follows NPR reporting on claim sharks using auto-dialers to spam a VA hotline meant for vets

WASHINGTON - Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced the Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to combat predatory practices used by claim sharks to spam government lines with auto-dialers to collect information about veterans’ benefits.

Consumer protection laws already prohibit the use of auto-dialers from making calls to certain numbers, such as 911 and other emergency lines as well as rooms in hospitals and elderly living facilities. The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act would amend current law by prohibiting auto-dialers from making calls to a telephone number assigned to a federal department or agency.

“Our veterans should never be targeted by bad actors trying to profit off their hard-earned benefits – many at great cost to veterans and their families,” said Rep. Bacon. “The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act takes a commonsense approach to crack down on predatory practices and protect veterans from exploitation. I’m pleased to join Rep. Pappas in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”

“Unaccredited, for-profit companies are using robocallers and veterans’ personal information to spam VA hotlines about their benefits, identify any increases, and immediately send them a bill for thousands of dollars. It’s outrageous and must be put to a stop,” said Rep. Pappas. “My legislation would prohibit the use of robocallers to spam government lines to shield veterans from this predatory practice. For years I have led the fight against claim sharks breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud veterans, and I won’t stop. I will continue to combat these predatory practices, reign in claim sharks, and safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”

This bipartisan legislation is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), The American Legion, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA).

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds the bipartisan Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act for closing a critical loophole that currently permits predatory actors to use automated ‘robo’ calls to exploit veterans and overwhelm federal benefit hotlines,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joe Grassi. “This commonsense legislation aligns with our unwavering interest in safeguarding veterans’ personal information, protecting VA claims support, and ensuring veterans remain in control of their earned benefits.”

"As we leverage new technology on behalf of veterans, we must also protect them from bad actors looking to use these same advances to exploit those seeking the benefits they've earned through service," said Lt Gen Brian Kelly, president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. "The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act is a strong step forward, one that will make a real difference in the wider fight against claim sharks."

The bill text is here.

Background:

Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years, a troubling development especially as more veterans receive the benefits they’re owed thanks to the Honoring Our PACT Act.

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Bacon, Raskin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Tackle America’s Mental Health Crisis

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bacon, Raskin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Tackle America’s Mental Health Crisis

Washington – Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in critically needed initiatives that help Americans experiencing mental health crises. As a rising number of Americans struggle with their mental health, the Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act would provide federal funding to organizations in our communities that are already working to support people in crisis and in recovery.

“People experiencing serious thoughts of suicide often find themselves without support and timely treatment,” said Rep. Bacon. “The STOP Suicide Act will provide an important tool that will help create needed programs to deliver outpatient or telehealth stabilization services. I’m pleased to join Rep. Raskin on this legislation that will help community health centers, rural health clinics, and others create and manage these programs.”

“Tens of millions of Americans have either suffered a mental health crisis or know a close loved one who has,” said Rep. Raskin. “For too many, seeking help can feel frightening or out of reach. Our bipartisan bills will help mental health care providers do their jobs and expand access to care for the many Americans who need it.”

The STOP Suicide Act expands access to evidence-based stabilization care for individuals with serious thoughts of suicide. Stabilization services can help patients reduce or eliminate imminent suicide risk and manage dangerous impulses, keeping them safe while relieving pressure on law enforcement and emergency rooms. This legislation will create a new grant program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand access to effective and timely outpatient and virtual stabilization care and treatment.

“In 2023, 49,316 people died by suicide and 12.8 million adults experienced serious thoughts of suicide in the United States. Research shows that even brief evidence-based suicide interventions can help people manage suicidal thoughts and increase connection to follow-up care,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “AFSP is proud to support the Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act, which supports suicide-specific stabilization services for individuals experiencing serious thoughts of suicide, helping people access interventions in the least restrictive setting possible, while relieving pressure on emergency departments and law enforcement. AFSP thanks Representative Raskin and Representative Bacon for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this important legislation.

This legislation is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the American Psychological Association.

If you need immediate mental-health support at any time of day, dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Counselors can also be reached by text message or online chat. You may also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Read the full text of the Stop Suicide Act here.

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Bacon, Meeks Demand Bessent & Rubio Explain Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bacon, Meeks Demand Bessent & Rubio Explain Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

Washington, DC -- Representatives Don Bacon and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a bipartisan letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding answers on the Trump administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil.

The lawmakers warned that the move risks undercutting U.S. national security interests by enabling Russia to expand revenue streams used to sustain its war against Ukraine.

A PDF of the letter is here. An excerpt is below.

“...The United States’ existing sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports have helped curtail the Kremlin’s ability to finance its illegal war of choice against Ukraine. Easing sanctions on Russia at this critical juncture, instead of increasing pressure, risks fueling Russia’s aggression and undermining progress we have made to reduce Russia’s global energy leverage…

“The issuing of these licenses and Russia’s subsequent financial gains come on the heels of Ukraine’s most significant territorial gains in years in their fight to reclaim their sovereign territory from occupying Russian forces. In other words, these licenses have provided Russia with an infusion of cash just when it needs it most to reverse Ukrainian progress, allowing it to take advantage of the global rise in energy costs to further fund its illegal war.

“Not only are these licenses helping fund Russian aggression against Ukraine, but they are doing so while Russia reportedly helps the Iranian regime target U.S. forces in the Middle East. On March 17, the Wall Street Journal further reported that Russian-Iranian cooperation continues to increase – with Russia providing modifications to Shahed drones developed from their own experiences using them against Ukraine and sharing satellite imagery to ‘prolong a war that is benefitting Russia militarily and economically.’”

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Bacon, Carbajal Reintroduce Bill to Expand Benefits for Veteran Survivors of Sexual Assault

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bacon, Carbajal Reintroduce Bill to Expand Benefits for Veteran Survivors of Sexual Assault

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand benefits for veterans who experienced sexual trauma during their service.

The Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act would change the effective date of a veteran’s claim to allow veterans who experience sexual trauma during their service to receive retroactive disability benefits, starting from the date after their discharge from service rather than the claim file date.

“One sexual assault in the military is one too many. Sexual assault in the military leaves behind a wake of trauma, anxiety, and depression,” said Rep. Bacon. “As Wing Commander at Ramstein, I established the best sexual assault prevention program in the Air Force because I recognize the importance of keeping our service members safe from this kind of violence. For those service members who do, tragically, experience sexual assault, we should ensure that they receive payment for treatments to help them recover. Changing the effective date from when veterans receive payments is the right thing to do.”

“Sexual assault in our military is a grave injustice, and it is long past time for the VA to expand benefits for those who carried this trauma back home,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act was inspired by a Central Coast veteran who faced the same inexcusable hurdles that far too many survivors encounter when seeking help from the VA. I’m proud to join my friend and fellow veteran, Congressman Bacon, in introducing this bill to close the gaps in our system and finally deliver the justice our veterans deserve.”

Currently, most benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are calculated using the day the claim was filed.

But with survivors of military sexual traumas (including unwanted sexual contact or advances), there is a historical trend of stigma and underreporting, meaning veterans may wait years before filing a VA claim.

Congressman Carbajal and his team worked with one such case: a female veteran from the Central Coast of California who was granted benefits related to PTSD caused by a sexual trauma during her service but filed a claim more than 25 years after the injury, diminishing the total benefit that she qualified to receive.

The bill has earned the endorsement of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the largest and oldest war veterans service organization in the U.S.

The VA estimates that 1 in 3 female veterans and 1 in 50 male veterans experienced sexual trauma in some form during their service.

In certain cases, like exposure to Agent Orange or other toxic chemicals, the VA has granted retroactive benefits. But no such retroactivity exists for claims related to sexual trauma, despite the enduring effects these injuries can have on a veteran.

The full text of the Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act can be found here.

Congressman Bacon served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Brigadier General in 2014.

Congressman Carbajal served eight years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, including active duty service during the Gulf War in 1992, where he was mobilized to Jacksonville, North Carolina.

The two lawmakers are part of the For Country Caucus, a non-partisan group of military veterans serving in Congress who are dedicated to working together in a nonpartisan way to create a more productive government.

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Rep. Bacon Warns Leaving NATO Would Cause GOP 'Civil War'

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Bacon Warns Leaving NATO Would Cause GOP 'Civil War'

If President Donald Trump were to leave NATO, it would split and "destroy" the Republican Party, Rep. Don Bacon told CNN.

The Nebraska Republican said Tuesday that if Trump "broke up NATO on his own, it would be a civil war in the Republican caucus, or the conference. Most of us would find that totally unacceptable, and I'm not alone. There's a large group of us that believe in our alliances and standing up for freedom and pushing back on China and Russia."

https://www.newsmax.com/politics/don-bacon-donald-trump-withdraw/2026/03/18/id/1249919/

Bacon Joins Over 100 members of Congress Calling for Renewed Investment in NASA science

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bacon Joins Over 100 members of Congress Calling for Renewed Investment in NASA science

Washington - Rep. Don Bacon joined 102 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in signing a bipartisan letter calling for $9 billion for NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in the fiscal year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

The letter, led by Congressional Planetary Science Caucus Co-Chairs Don Bacon (R-NE) and Judy Chu (D-CA), is another sign of the breadth of congressional support for NASA's science activities ahead of the impending release of the administration's fiscal year 2027 budget request.

"From the Apollo missions that first took us to the Moon to today's Artemis program that will return us there and push even farther, America's pioneering spirit has long defined our leadership in both manned and unmanned space exploration," said Caucus Co-Chair Don Bacon. "To sustain that leadership, I'm pleased to join 102 of my House colleagues in requesting $9 billion for NASA Science in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This investment will ensure NASA's groundbreaking missions continue, support the highly skilled workforce that makes them possible, and keep the United States at the forefront of scientific discovery and space exploration."

"Space exploration is vital to understanding the universe around us," said Caucus Co-Chair Judy Chu. "Investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) programs drives scientific discovery, strengthens our country's world-class workforce — including in my district in Southern California — and secures American leadership in space for generations to come. I'm thrilled to lead my colleagues in requesting $9 billion in funding for NASA's SMD in Fiscal Year 2027."

The requested $9 billion would restore the buying power of NASA's Science Mission Directorate to approximately its 2020 level, enabling a rapid pursuit of breakthrough scientific exploration projects identified by the National Academies and the nation's scientific and innovation workforce.

Jennifer Vaughn, CEO of The Planetary Society, added:

"Congress proved with the FY 2026 budget that bipartisan support for space science is alive and well. This letter, signed by 103 Members of Congress and led by Congresswoman Chu and Congressman Bacon, shows that bipartisan congressional support is only growing stronger.

The Planetary Society thanks the Planetary Science Caucus Co-Chairs and their colleagues for reaffirming that the scientific exploration of space remains a defining American priority. This is a significant early signal in the FY 2027 budget process, and we remain committed to supporting Congress in its efforts to deliver the funding NASA needs to advance its pioneering program of Earth and space sciences."

Letter to Appropriators led by the Planetary Science Caucus Co-Chairs, with co-signers

Bacon, Larson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Relief and Lower College Costs for AmeriCorps Volunteers

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bacon, Larson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Relief and Lower College Costs for AmeriCorps Volunteers

Washington – Kicking off AmeriCorps Week, Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced the bipartisan Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act. Their legislation would provide tax relief for AmeriCorps members who earn Segal Education Awards through their service to help pay for higher education costs and reduce barriers for young people to access the financial assistance they’ve earned.

“I’m pleased to join Rep. Larson in reintroducing the bipartisan Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act to ensure AmeriCorps volunteers receive the full value of the education benefit they earn through service,” said Rep. Bacon. “These dedicated Americans shouldn’t have to pay taxes on a benefit they receive while in turn providing valuable services for our country. We don’t make Pell Grant recipients pay taxes on their grants, and neither should these individuals.”

“AmeriCorps members serve our country on behalf of communities in need, and our nation has a responsibility to reward them with an education benefit that both shows our appreciation for their work and significantly reduces college costs,” said Rep. Larson. “Unfortunately, the current federal tax on the Segal award diminishes its value and undermines the original intent of the program to help AmeriCorps alumni overcome financial barriers and afford a college education. I am proud to introduce this legislation, originally championed by my late friend and colleague, Rep. John Lewis, and work with my Republican colleague Rep. Don Bacon to correct this injustice, encourage more young people to pursue national service, and advance real solutions to lower higher education costs.”

AmeriCorps members who complete a full term of national service can earn a Segal Education Award to help pay for current education expenses or repay student loans. The award is generally valued at the maximum Pell Grant amount ($7,395 for 2026–27) for that year and expires seven years after the AmeriCorps service term ends. However, unlike Pell Grants, Segal Education Awards are currently considered taxable income, creating a barrier that may discourage young people from taking advantage of the financial assistance they’ve earned.

This legislation would exclude Segal Education Awards from federal taxable income, honoring the intent of federal education awards, helping recipients pay for higher education, and removing this financial barrier.

The bipartisan Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act is endorsed by 64 organizations, including Voices for National Service, Habitat for Humanity International, the National Youth Leadership Council, Serve Connecticut, and Teach for America.

“The tax on the AmeriCorps education award creates an unexpected and unfair tax burden on the dedicated Americans who commit to serving their country through AmeriCorps. It’s essentially a tax on service. We don’t tax Pell Grants or GI Bill Benefits, and we shouldn’t tax the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. We’re grateful to Representatives Don Bacon and John Larson for leading the effort to make the award tax free so AmeriCorps members can receive the full value of the benefit they’ve earned, and we urge their colleagues to support the bill,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

A full list of endorsing organizations is available HERE.

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Bacon Secures Six Priorities Included in Farm Bill Advancing Out of Committee

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Bacon Secures Six Priorities Included in Farm Bill Advancing Out of Committee

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) voted today to advance H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, out of the House Committee on Agriculture. The bill passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 34-17 and includes all six of Rep. Bacon’s key farm bill priorities.

The six initiatives championed by Rep. Bacon strengthen agricultural security, modernize federal programs, support beginning farmers, invest in youth leadership, and improve oversight of foreign farmland purchases.

“Passing a full five-year farm bill is about certainty for farmers, ranchers, and families. Nebraska producers need stability heading into planting season and American families need stability at the grocery store. This bill provides regulatory certainty, strengthens our crop safety net, modernizes farm loan programs, and invests in the research and innovation that keep American agriculture competitive,” said Rep. Bacon. “I am pleased that all six of our legislative priorities were included in this bill. We are strengthening oversight of foreign purchases of American farmland, enhancing agricultural cybersecurity, helping beginning farmers compete for land, supporting FFA and 4-H students, and improving SNAP administration so benefits are delivered efficiently and responsibly. Agriculture is economic security and national security, and this legislation equips producers with the tools they need to succeed.”

Rep. Bacon’s priorities included in the Farm Bill:

H.R. 4362 - AFIDA Improvements Act of 2025: Codifies recommendations published by the GAO to amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) to ensure there is timely and detailed data sharing of foreign investments in agricultural land transactions, better oversight and validation of information, and better identifies those foreign entities who do not file notification they have purchased land in the United States. This legislation will help the United States better track and combat the CCP’s efforts to buy up farmland.
H.R. 4156 - Support for Ownership and Investment in Land Act: Modernizes the farm loan process for America's next generation of agricultural leaders. The legislation allows the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to create a farm loan pre-approval process to allow farmers to make better decisions and not miss opportunities to expand their business operations, which will be especially useful for beginning farmers.
H.R. 4155 - American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025: Establishes Centers of Excellence at higher education institutions and creates a competitive USDA grant program to strengthen our agricultural cybersecurity infrastructure.
H.R. 2812 - Youth Lead Act: Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to support the operations of Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, and the Scouts. These are preeminent youth leadership organizations in the United States with approximately eight million youth taking part. Participation in these organizations helps children make lifelong friendships and learn leadership and life skills.
H.R. 2811 - SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2025: Gives states the option to hire outside contractors to help process applications during high-demand periods. This contract is terminated once the backlog is cleared.
H.R. 3946 - The FIGHT Act of 2025: The provision will outlaw in-person and online gambling on animal fighting. Animal fighting is a disgusting practice. The animals are often drugged to heighten their aggression and forced to keep fighting even after they’ve suffered grievous injuries such as broken bones, deep gashes, flesh tears, punctured lungs, and pierced eyes. Animal fighting is a form of organized crime, entangled with gangs and cartels, gambling, drug trafficking, illegal weapons dealing, public corruption, and various violent crimes including homicide, child abuse, and human trafficking. The provision will help to end these disgusting practices by ensuring that criminals cannot profit from individuals gambling on animal fighting.

The Farm Bill now advances to the floor of the House of Representatives.

Watch Rep. Bacon's opening remarks here and see full remarks as delivered below:

I speak in favor of the Farm Bill. I was here in the 115^th Congress when we passed the last Farm Bill. The new one is now two years over date. The last Farm Bill was great, but it's out of date. It needs to be made current again. And this Farm Bill definitely does that. In Nebraska, we’re the number one of 50 states for beef production.

We're in the top five for pork, corn, soybeans, ethanol, popcorn. It's important. I represent Omaha, and we have some AG on the sides of Omaha, particularly Saunders County. But we have tons of agribusiness and the financial health of our farmers and ranchers directly impacts all these agribusinesses in Omaha. So this Farm Bill is also important to this business community.

Some of the highlights in this bill, it's going to help our Nebraska hog producers. It’s going to provide regulatory certainty to various manufacturers. It transfers Food for Peace to the USDA and returns the program to its original intent of addressing the global hunger crisis through the purchase of U.S.-grown commodities. It reduces barriers for beginning farmers trying to gain access to credit. The bill also incentivizes further research and adoption of precision agriculture technologies. Together, these reforms meet the moment by equipping agricultural producers with the certainty and tools they need to succeed.

I am also pleased to have worked to advance multiple other initiatives that were included in this bill. These initiatives include helping farmers navigate the FSA loan application process, financially supporting FFA and 4-H students, enhancing the security of our agricultural supply chains, more effectively tracking foreign farmland purchases, and streamlining the administration of the SNAP program. I am pleased that many of these initiatives have garnered bipartisan backing and want to thank both my Republican and Democratic colleagues for their support.

I look forward to listening to the debate on these amendments. I look forward to hopefully increasing the bipartisanship with the final bill here. But let’s not be fooled, we’ve got to get this farm bill passed for farmers and ranchers.

I yield.

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