Bennet Statement on Committee Passage of the Farm Bill

Sep 16, 2026 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after he voted against the 2026 Farm Bill in Committee:

"I am disappointed that we are back in the same position voting on the same Farm Bill this Committee considered in August. My hope was to return to a bipartisan process, rather than continue down this partisan path. Unfortunately, that did not happen.

"Farmers and ranchers want certainty, strong markets, and a safety net they can rely on. The question we need to ask is whether this bill makes it more likely they can stay in business five years from now. At a time when Colorado producers face rising costs, shrinking export opportunities, extreme drought, worsening wildfires, and growing pressure just to make a living, I do not believe this bill does enough.

"It falls short on key Colorado priorities and does not meaningfully confront the broader economic pressures confronting farmers, ranchers, and the rural communities in which they live. On top of that, this bill does little for families struggling to afford groceries and leaves Colorado paying the price.

"For these reasons, I voted against advancing this Farm Bill. I remain ready to work with Chairman Boozman on a truly bipartisan bill that meets the moment and serves farmers, ranchers, and families in Colorado and across the country."

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