Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
Latest action (20 Dec 2018): Signed by President.
What this bill does
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the Farm Bill, reauthorizes and updates federal agricultural, nutrition, conservation, and rural development programs through fiscal year 2023. It covers commodity support programs for farmers, including price loss coverage and agriculture risk coverage payments, marketing loans, and sugar and dairy policy; conservation programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Conservation Stewardship Program; agricultural trade and international food aid programs; and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other nutrition assistance efforts. It also addresses farm credit and loan programs, rural development initiatives including broadband expansion and health care access, agricultural research and extension programs, and forestry management, including provisions on wildfire mitigation and hemp legalization for research and commercial production.
The bill affects a broad range of groups: farmers and ranchers who rely on commodity, credit, and crop insurance-related programs; low-income households that participate in SNAP and related nutrition programs; landowners and conservation program participants; rural communities seeking infrastructure, broadband, and health care support; agricultural researchers and land-grant universities; and the forestry and forest products sector.
The bill was introduced in the House on April 12, 2018, by Rep. Michael Conaway, and passed through the legislative process during the 115th Congress. It was signed into law by the President on December 20, 2018, and its provisions took effect according to their specified implementation timelines through fiscal year 2023.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
This bill (commonly known as the farm bill) reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies Department of Agriculture programs that address:
• commodity support,
• conservation,
• trade and international food aid,
• nutrition assistance,
• farm credit,
• rural development,
Timeline
20 Dec 2018
Signed by President.
12 Dec 2018
On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 369 - 47 (Roll no. 434).
11 Dec 2018
Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 87 - 13. Record Vote Number: 259.
28 Jun 2018
Passed Senate, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 86 - 11. Record Vote Number: 143.
21 Jun 2018
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 211 (Roll no. 284).
18 May 2018
On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 198 - 213 (Roll no. 205).
18 Apr 2018
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 20.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2 do?
- The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the Farm Bill, reauthorizes and updates federal agricultural, nutrition, conservation, and rural development programs through fiscal year 2023. It covers commodity support programs for farmers, including price loss coverage and agriculture risk coverage payments, marketing loans, and sugar and dairy policy; conservation programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Conservation Stewardship Program; agricultural trade and international food aid programs; and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other nutrition assistance efforts. It also addresses farm credit and loan programs, rural development initiatives including broadband expansion and health care access, agricultural research and extension programs, and forestry management, including provisions on wildfire mitigation and hemp legalization for research and commercial production. The bill affects a broad range of groups: farmers and ranchers who rely on commodity, credit, and crop insurance-related programs; low-income households that participate in SNAP and related nutrition programs; landowners and conservation program participants; rural communities seeking infrastructure, broadband, and health care support; agricultural researchers and land-grant universities; and the forestry and forest products sector. The bill was introduced in the House on April 12, 2018, by Rep. Michael Conaway, and passed through the legislative process during the 115th Congress. It was signed into law by the President on December 20, 2018, and its provisions took effect according to their specified implementation timelines through fiscal year 2023.
- Has H.R. 2 become law?
- Yes. H.R. 2 has been enacted. Status last updated 20 Dec 2018.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2?
- H.R. 2 was sponsored by Rep. Michael Conaway [R-TX11, 2005-2020] (Republican-TX), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2?
- Signed by President. (20 Dec 2018).
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