By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Trade, immigration and the tax extender package were among the topics Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening discussed with congressional leaders on a trip to Washington, D.C. this week.
“Texas agriculture depends on trade,” Boening said. “We talk about trade a lot with our elected leaders on the state and federal level, because it’s so vital to Texas farmers and ranchers and our state’s economy.”
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade deal that could be an economic victory for the Lone Star State. That was the message Boening stressed during congressional visits earlier this week.
Ratifying USMCA would provide a much-needed boost to Texas agriculture, benefit rural communities and increase jobs in the state.
“We need quick passage of this agreement,” Boening said. “USMCA is a benefit for not only rural Texas but also businesses and manufacturing. It’s a win for Texas.”
The annual value of Texas’ agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico totals more than $7.2 billion. USMCA, Boening noted, would build on these exports by breaking down trade barriers and opening more market access for products like beef, dairy, corn, wheat and pork.
USMCA also enhances biotechnology standards, reduces trade-distorting policies and establishes modern sanitary and phytosanitary standards, among others.
Boening visited with U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and U.S. Reps. Kevin Brady, Mike Conaway, Filemon Vela, Henry Cuellar and Lance Gooden.
“It was a busy but productive week,” Boening said. “I had good visits with our senators and several of our representatives.”
In addition to trade, Boening advocated for comprehensive immigration reform and the need for a streamlined and modern guest worker program.
He also discussed the proposed Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 with congressional leaders.
“This package would bring an early end to the important temporary estate tax exemption,” Boening said. “That’s not good news for farmers and ranchers in Texas or across the country.”
Under this proposal, more farms will be over the exemption, forcing its owners to pay the federal estate tax.
“It was good to visit with our leaders and reinforce our policy positions on trade, specifically USMCA,” Boening said. “We need to keep the conversation moving forward and stress the need and importance of trade, as well as immigration reform and estate taxes. Overall, I think it was a successful visit and a good opportunity to cover issues important to Texas farmers and ranchers.”
While in D.C., Boening also attended the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Council of Presidents and board of directors meetings. He also chaired AFBF’s Trade Advisory Committee meeting.