On Wednesday, March 10, afternoon, Senator Ted Cruz (RTexas) sat down to meet with members of Plains Cotton Growers and the Texas cotton industry via a Zoom conference call to discuss issues important to the cotton sector and provide an update on current issues in Washington, D.C.
Impacts to the agriculture industry from winter storm Uri, along with the recent debate and adoption of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan by Congress were key topics of discussion with Senator Cruz. PCG was very appreciative of the Senator’s support of an amendment offered by Senator Charles Grassley (RIowa) to the American Rescue Plan which would have extended the USDA WHIP+ program for the 2020 crop year but failed to gain the 60-vote threshold needed to be adopted. Additionally, it was emphasized in the meeting that Congress needs to maintain the provisions made through the enactment of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“PCG is grateful for Senator Cruz and the work he has done for Texas during his time in Congress,” says Steve Verett, Chief Executive Officer at Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., “Navigating through the current political gates of Washington, D.C. takes a passionate leader, Senator Cruz is certainly dedicated to fighting for important issues to Texas and the agriculture industry.”