Vasquez backs House passage of Farm Bill with provisions for New Mexico agriculture
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez supported House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill, including provisions affecting ranchers, SNAP and Tribal institutions in New Mexico.
Measure includes nine provisions tied to ranching, SNAP and Tribal programs as bill moves to Senate
Organ Mountain News report
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez on Friday voted to pass the 2026 Farm Bill in the House, advancing legislation that includes several provisions tied to agriculture and food programs in New Mexico.
The bill now heads to the Senate. Only 14 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure.
Vasquez, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, backed a series of provisions and amendments that cleared the House with bipartisan support.
Those measures include directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study the impacts of imported beef, creating a pilot program for virtual fencing and easing regulatory requirements for ranch improvements.
Other provisions expand eligibility for certain food purchases — such as hot rotisserie chicken — under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, support conservation efforts on working lands and provide funding opportunities for farmer-to-farmer education programs.
Organ Mountain News
The bill also includes measures related to Tribal programs, including expanding access for Tribal colleges to federal rural development funding and allowing tribes to directly procure food for senior nutrition programs.
Vasquez also supported an amendment that removed a provision that would have limited lawsuits against pesticide companies.
In a statement, Vasquez said the legislation reflects bipartisan cooperation and addresses priorities for New Mexico’s agricultural sector.
He also criticized cuts to food assistance included in the broader legislation, saying he supported amendments to reverse those reductions, though they were not included in the final bill.
The most recent Farm Bill was enacted in 2018. Congress has typically reauthorized the legislation every five years.
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