WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a late-night session that stretched into the early morning hours, the U.S. House of Representatives officially passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The landmark legislation, which passed with a 224-200 vote, received a strong endorsement from Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02), who saw four of his specific legislative priorities included in the final text.
The bill serves as a five-year roadmap for American agriculture, reauthorizing vital USDA programs through 2031. For Taylor—whose district includes Ross, Pickaway, Hocking, and Pike counties—the stakes were particularly high, as 96% of the farms in Ohio’s Second District are family-owned.
Strengthening the “Rural Backbone”
“I’m proud to advance a robust Farm Bill that meets the needs of Ohio’s farmers, ranchers, and producers,” said Congressman Taylor. “This legislation reflects our commitment to the men and women who feed our families and drive our economy.”
Taylor noted that the 2026 Farm Bill builds on the momentum of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act passed last summer, which permanently increased the Death Tax exemption—a major win for multi-generational family farms in Southern Ohio.
Four Taylor-Led Victories for Ohio
Congressman Taylor successfully fought to include four of his own bills within the larger package, targeting infrastructure and quality of life in rural Appalachia:
- Rural Broadband Assistance Act: Aimed at closing the digital divide for small Appalachian communities.
- Water Infrastructure Assistance Reauthorization Act: Providing federal support for rural towns to modernize aging water systems.
- Rural Wellness Act: Addressing the mental health and substance abuse crisis specifically within rural farming communities.
- Protecting American Farmland Act: A targeted measure that prohibits USDA funds from being used to install solar panels on “prime farmland,” ensuring the best soil remains dedicated to food production.
A Long Time Coming
The passage marks the first full, multi-year Farm Bill passed by the House since 2018. In recent years, the agricultural industry had been operating under a series of short-term extensions.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson praised the bipartisan effort, noting the dedication required to push the bill through. “I can think of no more important work than championing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act,” Thompson said.
What’s Next?
In addition to Taylor’s local wins, the broader bill invests heavily in animal disease prevention and crop insurance cost reduction, while doubling funding for trade programs designed to get Ohio-grown products into international markets. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
