By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

A bipartisan bill was introduced to help farmers and ranchers along the border repair damages from illegal immigration.

HR 6921, the Southern Farmers and Ranchers Protection Act, was introduced by U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-McAllen). It will authorize payments under the Natural Resources and Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to assist farmers and ranchers with the financial and technical support needed to repair farming and ranching infrastructure and damage to fields along the southern border.

“I am proud to lead the introduction of this important bipartisan legislation,” De La Cruz said. “It’s no secret that farmers and ranchers across Texas face hardships as illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and human traffickers traipse across their properties, damaging fences, crops and livestock. This bill is an important part of making the Texas agriculture industry whole after years of poor policies and open borders.”

U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio) and Vicente Gonzalez (D-Brownsville) are also leading the bill.

“This bipartisan bill recognizes the financial hardship our farmers and ranchers experience from land and property damages caused by waves of irregular migration,” Gonzalez said. “These folks are forced to repair or replace everything from fences to complicated irrigation watering systems which are often costly and time-consuming. We must support our South Texas farmers and ranchers by providing them with the resources they urgently need.”

Field and farming infrastructure damages along the border caused by illegal immigration are costly and have a negative impact on area agriculture and the state’s natural resources.

“Texas Farm Bureau applauds Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and Congressmen Henry Cuellar, Tony Gonzales and Vicente Gonzalez for leading HR 6921 to assist ag producers and landowners suffering devastating losses due to illegal immigration,” Laramie Adams, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Government Affairs, said.

Hardworking farm and ranch families along the U.S.–Mexico Border continue experiencing losses due to the unprecedented border crisis. Damages to fields, fences, water storage, farm equipment, homes and vehicles are common occurrences at farms, ranches and rural residences along the border.

“We cannot stress enough how critical it is for long term solutions to be acted on immediately along our southern border. However, in the meantime, short term solutions, such as this legislation to assist impacted farmers and ranchers, is truly appreciated and needed. We thank these Congressional leaders for acting and look forward to working in Congress to pass this legislation,” Adams said.