Bustos, Thompson Formally Launch Crop Insurance Caucus, Host First Briefing

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-15) formally launched the Congressional Crop Insurance Caucus and held the first briefing. Also joining the caucus are Representatives Cindy Axne (IA-03), Mike Bost (IL-12), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), TJ Cox (CA-21), Angie Craig (MN-02), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Alcee Hastings (FL-23), Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02).

"Farmers in Illinois are facing tough times right now and, as a member of the Agriculture Committee, I'll always have their backs," Congresswoman Bustos said. "This bipartisan Crop Insurance Caucus will work arm-in-arm to educate other members about the importance of a strong farm safety net and agricultural economy."

Joining Representatives Bustos and Thompson for today's briefing were the American Association of Crop Insurers, Crop Insurance Reinsurance Bureau, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, National Crop Insurance Services and the Farm Credit Council. Additionally, Ron Moore - an Illinois soybean farmer and Board Member of the American Soybean Association - spoke about the importance of crop insurance for producers.

Click here (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146143971@N03/48375142082/in/album-72157709885005262/) for photos of today's briefing.

Click here (https://bustos.house.gov/audio-bustos-founds-bipartisan-congressional-crop-insurance-caucus/) for quotes in support of the Crop Insurance Caucus.

Click here (https://www.dropbox.com/s/48flyl2fevrv90d/crop%20insurance%20caucus.m4a?dl=0) to listen to Congresswoman Bustos discuss the Crop Insurance Caucus.

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congresswoman Bustos has been a champion for Illinois farmers. She helped write, negotiate and pass two bipartisan Farm Bills and most recently served on the House-Senate Conference Committee to get the 2018 bill to the president's desk and signed into law. Congresswoman Bustos has also been a fierce defender of crop insurance - standing up to President Trump's budget, which proposed billions in cuts to the program. In 2015, she helped save the crop insurance program from elimination after it was removed from a budget deal.