Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) applauded the House Agriculture Committee for passing a new farm bill last night in a bipartisan vote. The legislation – which is a high priority for Eastern Washington’s agricultural community – now moves to the House floor.

“Eastern Washington’s farmers and ranchers deserve the certainty of a new five-year farm bill, and I appreciate Chairman Lucas and the rest of the Committee for passing a solid bill that maintains our commitment to rural America while improving the efficiency of many programs,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “I’ve been a strong advocate for getting a new farm bill signed into law this year, and I will continue working with my House colleagues to make that goal a reality.  With yesterday’s important milestone, I am more confident than ever that it will get done, which will be a great victory for Eastern Washington’s largest industry.”

Agriculture has a $16 billion annual total economic impact in Washington State. Family wheat farms are one of the largest economic drivers of jobs in Eastern Washington, generating nearly $925 million in production value to the State’s economy.

The Agriculture Committee passed farm bill saves more than $35 billion in mandatory spending while reauthorizing critical research, conservation, and food security programs that directly impact Eastern Washington’s growers, ranchers, and farmers.

For more information about the House farm bill, click here.