Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., commended Congress for their passage today of the Bipartisan

Budget Act, a move that keeps the government in operation and also provides necessary

funding for several initiatives, including disaster relief, that recently have been stalled in the

appropriations process.

“The Bipartisan Budget Act not only helps our government move forward, but ensures

defense funding, which is essential, and incorporates long overdue disaster relief in

hurricane-affected areas, among other necessary provisions,” PCG President Johnie Reed

said.

A critical component for cotton producers is a provision within the Act that provides for

seed-cotton to be made eligible for farm programs under the commodity title of the Farm

Bill, restoring a much-needed safety net to cotton growers effective with the 2018 crop year.

“We have worked toward a long-term solution for growers for many years now, and we

appreciate our friends in Congress who have been steadfast in their support and

understanding of our needs,” Reed said. “This is significant for cotton growers who for years

have operated without a viable safety net, and this will allow many growers to stay in

business.

PCG commends the House Agriculture Committee, led by Chairman Mike Conaway;

Ranking Member Collin Peterson; Rep. Jodey Arrington; Rep. Mac Thornberry; Sen. John

Cornyn; Sen. Ted Cruz; Sen. Jerry Moran; Sen. John Boozman; and many other friends in

Congress for their support of the cotton industry through this process.