Issue Position: Agriculture
Issue Position
As a family rancher, I know firsthand the challenges and responsibilities those in agriculture face. In the Nebraska Legislature, I built a strong record of supporting Nebraska's farmers and ranchers.
Now, as a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works in the U.S. Senate, I serve as a strong advocate for Nebraska's agriculture industry. I am committed to working tirelessly to combat misguided overregulation, which is adversely impacting producers. I intend to showcase our farmers and ranchers as good stewards of our natural resources, and I will bring attention to the good work they are doing to protect our air, water, land, and wildlife.
I also support legislation that provides farmers and ranchers access to risk management tools they need to continue to produce the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food and fiber supply in the world.
Senator Fischer's accomplishments:
Supported a Five-Year Farm Bill: Senator Fischer voted in favor of the five-year farm bill, S. 954. The legislation provides a safety net for America's farmers through disaster assistance programs. It promotes environmental stewardship and encourages rural development; it bolsters export opportunities and advances cutting-edge research; and it helps new farmers and ranchers trying to start businesses of their own.
Supported Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Nebraska's Drinking Water Supplies: Senator Fischer voted in favor of the Environment and Public Works Committee's bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This important legislation establishes priorities for the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. The bill contains provisions to advance stalled flood control projects, including levee improvements essential to protect Nebraska's metropolitan drinking water supplies.
Questioned the Furlough of USDA Meat Inspectors: On February 26, 2013, Senator Fischer sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting more information regarding the USDA's plans to furlough meat and poultry inspectors. The letter, cosigned by eight other Republican senators, called into question comments by Secretary Vilsack suggesting that USDA must furlough inspection employees, regardless of statutory duties to provide health and safety inspections.
Introduced the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act: Senator Fischer introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) to provide regulatory relief for farmers impacted by EPA's Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. The Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act would exempt farms from SPCC requirements if their aggregate oil storage capacity is 10,000 gallons or less and the farms have no history of spills. In addition, the bill would increase the oil storage threshold to determine whether a professional engineer must certify a facility's SPCC plan. A version of Fischer's bill was adopted in the form of an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act, which was approved by the Senate.
Held EPA Accountable for Violating the Privacy of Farmers and Ranchers: Senator Fischer cosponsored legislation, the Farmer Identity Protection Act, to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from disclosing the private information of farmers and ranchers. In addition, Senator Fischer and several colleagues wrote to EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe questioning the agency's decision to release personal and confidential business information of Nebraskans. In response to a FOIA request for information related to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) from environmental groups, EPA released comprehensive data providing the precise locations of CAFOs, the animal type and number of head, as well as the personal contact information, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of CAFO owners.
Pushed for Drought Research and Modernization Tools: On April 26, 2013, Senator Fischer sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies to urge support for drought mitigation funding. The letter encouraged support for critical applied research focused on drought, drought planning, preparedness, and modernization.
Cosponsored the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act of 2013: This legislation clarifies that veterinarians may transport, administer, and dispense controlled substances outside of their registered locations. Mobile veterinary care is essential to meeting the health and welfare needs of many animals, as well as to safeguard public safety and the nation's food supply.
Cosponsored the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Settlement Reform Act: This legislation, introduced by Senator Cornyn, will give impacted local parties a say in the settlement of ESA litigation between special interest groups and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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