Higgins Works with Louisiana Farm Bureau to Modernize USDA Program

Jul 23, 2026 | Agriculture, Issues, Media, Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced H.R. 9781, the Defend American Agriculture Act, legislation that raises the borrowing authority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) from $30 billion to $45 billion through September 2031. Read the bill text here.

The CCC is the primary financing arm that USDA uses to fund programs crucial to American farmers. However, the borrowing cap has been frozen at $30 billion since 1987 and is insufficient for modern farm costs. The proposed increase would give USDA more capacity to deliver commodity support, disaster assistance, conservation funding, and export promotion for American farmers and ranchers.

"With the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation's strong advocacy behind it, the Defend American Agriculture Act will help ensure our farmers can keep food on Americans' tables," said Congressman Higgins. "Our farmers and ranchers have faced rising costs over the past four decades, and modernizing this outdated program is necessary to give our producers the support they need."

"Agriculture is at a critical point. Congressman Higgins recognizes that and is standing up for the necessary modernization of our safety net," said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. "This would safeguard our national food security. Many federal programs are slow to develop and the CCC gives us more nimble tools to stay afloat. It's time for this fund to meet modern demands and we greatly appreciate Congressman Higgins for moving us in that direction."