PA Democratic Party Chairman: “Our hope is” that Fetterman stays with the party
PA Democratic Party Chairman Eugene DePasquale addressed the Fetterman speculation in Erie on Wednesday, a day before Fetterman ruled out changing parties.
- U.S. Sen. John Fetterman co-sponsored the Nurturing Horticulture Innovation in Local Economies (Chile) Act.
- The bill aims to provide $5 billion in direct assistance to specialty crop producers in fiscal year 2027.
- The bill builds on the Agriculture, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.
A new bill co-sponsored by Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) seeks to expand federal protections for specialty crop growers, building on another bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year.
On June 24, Fetterman and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced the Nurturing Horticulture Innovation in Local Economies Act, or the Chili Act for short. Ben Ray Luján, Democrat, New Mexico. Raphael Warnock, Democrat of Georgia. Cory Booker, Democrat, New Jersey. Michael Bennet, Democrat of Colorado.
“Pennsylvania’s farmers help put food on our plates, create local jobs, and keep our agricultural economy afloat. Having a framework for farmers to receive the direct assistance they need is just one step toward protecting them during times of economic loss,” Fetterman said in a press release. “I’m proud to support this bill that strengthens federal support to ensure these specialty crop farmers have the funding and tools they need to succeed now and every day.”
If passed, this bill will:
The bill co-sponsored by John Fetterman of Pennsylvania includes $5 billion to help farmers next year.
If passed, the bill would provide $5 billion in direct support to specialty crop producers in fiscal year 2027 and require the definition of specialty crops to include fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, seedling crops, and floriculture.
This bill is based on HR 7567, commonly known as the Agriculture, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, or simply the Farm Bill. The bill, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April, includes the Specialty Crop Emergency Assistance Framework. If passed, the Chile bill would require the USDA to use the Farm Bill’s Specialty Crop Emergency Assistance Framework to send direct aid to specialty crop farmers.
What is the current status regarding the Agriculture, Food, and National Security Act of 2026?
The Agriculture, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 13 and passed at the end of April. The Senate received the bill on May 19, but has not taken any action since.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 224 to 200. The final version removed a pesticide provision supported by President Donald Trump that would have shielded pesticide companies from liability.
Finch Walker is a Pittsburgh Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
