Congressman Gonzalez Introduces Bill to Protect South Texas Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) introduced H.R. 6921 the Southern Border Farmers and Ranchers Protection Act. This bill would provide farmers and ranchers with the financial and technical support needed to repair farming and ranching infrastructure and damage to fields along the Southern border.  

“This bipartisan bill recognizes the financial hardship our farmers and ranchers experience from land and property damages caused by waves of irregular migration,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “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.”  

The bill codifies the existing Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provides financial and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to protect, repair, and enhance their land and infrastructure. Codifying this program ensures EQIP’s continued existence.  

Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) are other co-leads on this bill.

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