Agricultural News
OKFB Members Take Farm Bill, EPA, Security Concerns to Washington D.C.
Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:35:06 CDT
Farm bill implementation, EPA overregulation and national security were among the top concerns for the 53 Oklahoma Farm Bureau members and staff who attended the annual OKFB Congressional Action Tour in Washington D.C. April 11-16. The group gathered in our nation's capital to discuss policy with their United States elected officials.
The group made time to meet with United States Representatives Markwayne Mullin, Frank Lucas, Steve Russell, Tom Cole, Jim Bridenstine, and U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford.
The Congressional Action Tour provides an opportunity for Oklahomans to share some of the challenges facing rural communities with their legislators, said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan.
"Implementation of the farm bill and making sure that continues smoothly is a top priority for Farm Bureau," said Tom Buchanan, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. "Waters of the U.S. is still a burning issue, and we have members of the Oklahoma delegation who are actively working to protect landowners and producers from onerous regulations that come with WOTUS."
Agency overreach and the security of our nation were two topics OKFB Director Monte Tucker made a point to discuss with the U.S. legislators.
"EPA, regulatory, IRS you name the agency and we've had definite overreach," Tucker said. "National security has also been a big concern for us, and it's been great to get to talk with our legislators about federal issues."
Garfield County Young Farmers and Ranchers member Travis Schnaithman said the Congressional Action Tour reiterates the importance of being involved in the legislative process.
"I really realized why it is so important to let our voices be heard," Schnaithman said. "I always look forward to this trip, and it's nice that we have the opportunity to tell our congressmen about the issues we're facing."
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe said he always enjoys seeing Oklahomans in Washington D.C.
"There aren't any normal people in Washington, and when we have a group come up from Oklahoma, they understand the simple things," Inhofe said. "My favorite group has always been the Farm Bureau - because they have strong values and they know what makes America great. It's always great to see these rural friends come up here.
Pictured: U.S. Sen. James Lankford addresses OKFB members about tax reform, national security and Waters of the U.S. during the 2015 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Congressional Action Tour.
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