FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2017
Contact: Hannah Packman, 202-314-3106
[email protected]
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to approve the conference Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a sweeping tax system overhaul that will now go to the President’s desk for signing into law.
National Farmers Union (NFU) staunchly opposed the Act because of its regressive taxation structure and devastating implications health care affordability and the nation’s financial standing. The bill’s massive $1.5 trillion increase to the deficit now places farm program and entitlement funding on the chopping block, says the family farm organization. NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the vote:
“Farmers Union is deeply disappointed in Congress’ decision to approve the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, not only because it is flawed fiscal policy, but also because we must now fight to protect every penny that is spent securing our nation’s food supply and natural resources, supporting our rural communities, and feeding our hungry.
“This tax bill leaves a $1.5 trillion hole in the budget – a hole that some members of Congress will want to fill with farm program and entitlement spending cuts. At a time when rural America is experiencing the most severe economic downturn in a couple generations, we cannot afford to take away their safety net. Moving forward, we urge Congress to avoid any funding cuts to programs that support our nation’s family farmers and ranchers.”
###
To download an audio file of Roger Johnson’s quote, visit our website at nfu.org/audio.
About NFU
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
Stay Connected
Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
One Comment