TSCRA government affairs staff were closely monitoring a number of runoff elections this Tuesday. To view results from this week’s primary runoffs click or tap here.

Last week the farm bill failed to pass the full U.S. House of Representatives. It was reported this week that leaders in the House anticipate a vote to reconsider around June 22. In the meantime, please be sure to contact your member of Congress to voice your support for the 2018 Farm Bill. You can find who represents you at https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members.

Many of you likely saw that Texas Central Rail (TCR) recently completed a “partnership” with Amtrak. As a result, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) is reevaluating the case for TCR to use eminent domain to acquire the land it wants for the project. You can view the original article here. We oppose the use of eminent domain for the Dallas to Houston high-speed rail project, and encourage you to voice your opposition. Texans Against High Speed Rail has set up a webpage to help stakeholders provide input. Visit http://www.texansagainsthsr.com/stbletters/ to ensure your voice is heard.

TSCRA government affairs staff are closely monitoring and engaging with lawmakers in support of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safety Act (TLAAS). The legislation was introduced in the Senate this week, and would revise Hours of Service regulations for livestock haulers to ensure animal welfare, highway safety, and the well-being of livestock haulers. For additional information, click or tap here.

Finally, TSCRA, along with other Texas agriculture groups, signed onto a letter to the President thanking him for his support of the Port of Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project (CIP) and the inclusion of CIP in the FY 2019 Presidential Budget. The letter said in part, “Your continued support of the Port’s Channel Improvement Project will not only help ensure that these [agricultural] businesses continue to feed the world, but will also create more jobs here in Texas and around the country.”