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Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act

4/11/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2156

Bill 119 hr 2156, also known as the "Food Security Act Amendment," aims to make changes to the Food Security Act of 1985. The main goal of this bill is to create an exception to certain payment limitations for individuals or legal entities that earn income from agriculture. This exception would allow these individuals or entities to receive payments that exceed the usual limits set by the Food Security Act.

The bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to agriculture and food security. These additional purposes are not specified in the summary, but they are likely to address various issues within the agricultural industry and food security programs.

Overall, the primary focus of Bill 119 hr 2156 is to provide financial support to individuals and entities involved in agriculture by allowing them to receive payments that exceed the usual limits. This could potentially help to support and sustain agricultural businesses and promote food security in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 2156

Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act

This bill waives the adjusted gross income limitations for payments or benefits under specific Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance programs for a person or legal entity that derives a portion of their income from agriculture. Currently, a person or entity is not eligible to receive certain benefits during a crop, fiscal, or program year if their average gross income exceeds $900,000.

Specifically, in the case of an excepted payment or benefit, the adjusted gross income limitation is waived if 75% or more of the average adjusted gross income for the person or entity is derived from farming, ranching, or silviculture activities. These activities include agritourism, direct-to-consumer marketing of agricultural products, and the sale of agricultural equipment owned by such person or entity.

The bill applies to the USDA

  • Livestock Indemnity Program;
  • Livestock Forage Disaster Program;
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program;
  • Tree Assistance Program; and
  • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

Current Status of Bill HR 2156

Bill HR 2156 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 14, 2025. Bill HR 2156 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 14, 2025.  Bill HR 2156's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. as of April 4, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2156

Total Number of Sponsors
4
Democrat Sponsors
4
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
11
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
7
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2156

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2156

To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish an exception to certain payment limitations in the case of person or legal entity that derives income from agriculture, and for other purposes.
To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish an exception to certain payment limitations in the case of person or legal entity that derives income from agriculture, and for other purposes.

Comments

Theodora Pritchard profile image

Theodora Pritchard

485

8 months ago

So, like, this bill, like, totally messes with the whole payment limitations thing for people who make money from farming, or whatever. I mean, why should they get special treatment, right? It's not fair to everyone else who has to follow the rules. And, like, who knows how this is gonna affect us in the long run. It's just a big mess, if you ask me. #notcool The long term affects of this bill could potentially create an uneven playing field for those in the agriculture industry.

Izan Perez profile image

Izan Perez

441

8 months ago

I think this bill is good because it helps farmers who make a living from agriculture. It's important to support our farmers and this bill does that.