Rep. Spartz: this week’s vote will show who stands for affordability

Submitted by Office of U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz

On Tuesday night, April 28, Congresswoman Victoria Spartz’s (R-Ind.-05) amendment to exempt large farm tractors, combines, and sprayers from unreasonable emissions standards, consistent with military equipment, was made in order by the Rules Committee. It will receive a floor vote this week.

Under one-size-fits-all EPA regulations, farm diesel engines were swept into burdensome emission standards, adding unreasonable costs to farmers, causing damaging delays, creating fire hazards, and leading to higher prices at grocery stores. Farm machinery and input costs have surged from 30 percent to 100 percent just in the last five years, pushing food prices higher and putting family farms on the brink of widespread bankruptcies.

“Food security is national security,” Rep. Spartz said. “Congress cannot continue failing American farmers and consumers. This week’s vote will show who truly stands for affordability and American families.”

Rep. Spartz’s amendment is endorsed by the Indiana Farm Bureau.

“Indiana Farm Bureau supports Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) on her amendment #49 to the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Amid continued tight margins, this amendment would make it easier and more affordable to operate and maintain the equipment essential to producing the food, fuel, and fiber our country depends on.”

Click here to read the text of the amendment. You can watch Rep. Spartz’s testimony at this link.