“Agriculture is the backbone of Louisiana’s economy. Having been raised on a ranch, I know that for those who work in it every day, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are more than a business. As Congress moves forward, I will work tirelessly behalf of our farmers and producers to provide Louisiana’s agricultural industry critically needed financial, trade, and labor support.”
Louisiana’s agriculture commodities contribute significantly to our state’s economy. With difficult weather conditions, floods, and low commodity prices, it is more important than ever to ensure that Louisiana’s needs are properly reflected in the Farm Bill.
As Congress considers much-needed changes to our immigration policy, it is important that we support H-2A and H-2B visas, while instituting a returning worker exemption for the H-2B unskilled worker visa program. A returning worker exemption will align H-2B visas with H-2A visas, improving the likelihood that our sugar mills, seafood processing plants, landscaping, and tourism industries will have the labor they need.
Additionally, it is imperative that the new administration review burdensome and unnecessary regulations regarding herbicide, pesticide, and fungicide use to provide our farmers as many tools available as possible.
Furthermore, although the U.S. House of Representatives has no legislative oversight of international trade negotiations, I understand the strong need for ensuring international trade agreements provide an even playing field for American exports, and I strongly support efforts to strengthen fair trading relationships with foreign countries.
More on Agriculture
Higgins Helps Pass Resolution to Ease Regulatory Burdens for Farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted to pass H.J. Res 27, which would revise the Biden Administration’s revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and ease the regulatory...
Higgins Announces $7M for Guidry’s Catfish Facility in St. Martin Parish
BREAUX BRIDGE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will award a $7 million grant to Guidry’s Catfish to expand their processing...
Higgins Reintroduces Legislation to Combat Foreign Seafood Dumping
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has reintroduced H.R. 8732, the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act of 2022, which protects American consumers and small businesses...
Higgins Urges USDA to Address Rising Fertilizer Costs for Farmers
LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to address rising fertilizer costs, which are hurting...
Higgins Commends Deal to Sell American Rice
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement after USA Rice announced that Iraq has committed to buying 40,000 metric tons of American rice. This is...