Cole Votes in Favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

April 30, 2026 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT : Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which reauthorizes, modernizes, and improves key Department of Agriculture programs through 2031: “Agriculture is truly the heart of America – and as a lifelong Oklahoman, I know this firsthand. In fact, Oklahoma ranks first in the nation in the production of rye, third in the nation in the production of wheat, fifth in the production of cattle, pecans and grain sorghum, tenth in peanuts, and twelfth in watermelon. It is clear: Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and growers are essential to not only our state, but to our entire country,” said Congressman Cole. “In return, as the representative for over 13,000 farms and ranches in the Fourth District alone, I will always fight to ensure they are not neglected in Congress. Today, in passing the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, we did just that,” said Congressman Cole. “This legislation focuses on practical policy for farm country. It will help to keep family farms in business, competition thriving, and grocery shelves stocked. This bill maintains America’s position as a global agriculture leader – because food security is national security. It provides farmers with the protection and stability they need to maintain healthy crops and produce, as well as streamlines working lands conservation programs and prioritizes responsible management of federal forests. Furthermore, it enacts these commonsense policies all while remaining budget neutral and prioritizing integrity and transparency,” said Congressman Cole. “The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 was must-pass legislation, and I am proud to have helped push it across the finish line with my vote today. I also want to thank my good friend, fellow Oklahoman, and former Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Frank Lucas, for all he did to secure these important provisions vital to Oklahoma. We must always ensure that those who put food on our tables and fuel the American people are not left behind,” said Congressman Cole. Wins for Oklahoma in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 Protects and enhances conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program, supporting Oklahoma’s 84 conservation districts. Updates essential watershed programs that so many Oklahomans rely on to maintain and improve the over 2,100 watershed flood control dams in Oklahoma. Increases funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program so that our producers can more easily tap into trade expansion. Authorizes state and tribal led local food purchasing programs to increase the purchase of local foods, growing local economies. Reauthorizes critical rural development programs that invest in economic development, job creation, technical assistance, and utility services. Reauthorizes vital water infrastructure programs such as the Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program. This program supports the over 3,000 technical assistance visits that Oklahoma Rural Water Association circuit riders carry out each year. Incorporates middle mile infrastructure into the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, improving access to rural areas and lowering costs for users and providers. Reauthorizes important research, extension, and education activities that our land-grant universities, such as Oklahoma State University, Langston University, and College of the Muscogee Nation, rely on to produce innovative and cutting-edge research. Increases loan guarantee to $50 million for the Rural Energy for America Program and ensures that projects using underutilized renewable energy technologies, such as distributed wind projects, are highlighted. ### Issues : Agriculture