Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture marked up and passed H.R. 8467, “The Farm, Food, and National Security Act" in a 33 to 21 vote. Four Democrats joined all Republican committee members to advance the bill.

However, it remains to be seen whether the bill will be taken up by the House and whether the U.S. Senate will vote on a Farm Bill this year. With the legislative calendar drawing to a close and the election season upon us, it is possible that Congress will have to pass an extension beyond the current Farm Bill's Sept. 30 expiration date.

Importantly, the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) saw minimal changes in H.R. 8467 and was not a point of contention during the markup. One of the changes that the Big “I" advocated for was the inclusion of an administrative and operating (A&O) inflationary adjustment in reinsurance year 2025 along with additional funds in A&O for reinsurance years 2022-2024. Reinstating this inflation factor is critically important since it has not changed since 2015.

Even though there is broad bipartisan support for the FCIP, the Big “I" still expects there to be attacks on the program as the Farm Bill moves through the legislative process. The Big “I" will oppose any amendment to the Farm Bill, proposal or legislation that would increase the cost of crop insurance for farmers; reduce the number of farmers eligible for crop insurance and thereby destabilize the FCIP risk pool; or weaken the efficient and effective private sector delivery of crop insurance.

Despite passing with bipartisan support, the bill was not without controversy. Much of that controversy was related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There were disagreements between Democrats and Republicans on the funding calculation that would place limits on the formula that calculates SNAP benefits. The proposed changes to the SNAP program caused bipartisan negotiations on the Farm Bill to break down earlier this year and may ultimately derail passage of the House's version of the Farm Bill as it heads to the floor.

Passing a Farm Bill that contains a strong and robust crop insurance program is critical for the security of America's economy and food supply. The FCIP is an example of a successful private-public partnership—in which independent agents play a vital role—and the Big “I" will continue to remind Congress of that moving forward.

Corey Miller is Big “I" director of federal government affairs.