The Second Congressional District is one of the most diverse regions in our nation. It is a microcosm of our country – home to not only urban and suburban, but rural areas as well. And it is our strong rural sector, with over 1,200 farms, that serves as the economic backbone of our district. Farmers in the Second Congressional District produce $367 million worth of corn, soybeans, and wheat every year that feed our families, fuel our cars, and raise our livestock.
Ensuring we have a strong agricultural sector is vital to the overall strength of our economy. We rely on farmers for everything that we do. I stand for strong federal policies that support family farmers, and ensure they are able to make the investments they need to increase their productivity and meet the nutrition and energy needs of our ever-growing population.
My agricultural priorities are:
Matteson, IL – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted a telephone town hall discussion with farmers and agricultural workers from the 2nd Congressional District where participants discussed concerns related to the COVID19 crisis and their suggestions for further legislative relief efforts in Congress.
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve the revised United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA).
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement declaring her support for the revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):
“When first announced, I had a number of concerns regarding the USMCA. However, after months of intense negotiations and changes that remedy my concerns, I’m proud to announce my support for this significant trade deal that will foster economic growth and opportunity throughout Illinois.
Illinois and the Midwest have long been the breadbasket of the world. Soybeans, corn, wheat, pork and other products are proudly grown here and feed people all over the world. Likewise, we still make American steel products, cabinets, pharmaceuticals and beverage cans right here in Kankakee.
New legislation to address student debt was recently introduced as the Young Farmers Success Act. The bill, HR 3232, was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor. Introduced by Rep. Joe Courtney and cosponsored by Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, Antonio Delgado, Josh Harder, Lee Zeldin, Peter Welch, Robin Kelly, and Chellie Pingree, the bill aims to relieve some of the financial burdens on students pursuing an agricultural career.
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today in reintroduced the bipartisan Beginning Agriculturist Lifetime Employment (BALE) Act, legislation he introduced during the last Congress to ensure agricultural producers—especially those just getting started—have access to credit to expand or diversify their operations.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement following the release of data from the U.S. Department of Commerce showing the U.S. trade deficit had reached a 10-year high, largely because of President Trump’s failed trade war:
“Despite his repeated claims to address the U.S. trade deficit, President Trump exploded it.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement concerning the negative impact of the Trump Shutdown on Illinois farmers and farming families, who are already suffering under other bad Trump Administration policies and trade wars:
“This Trump Shutdown adds insult to injury for Illinois farmers and families.
Because of the Trump Shutdown, the USDA is closed. This means that local farmers are unable to obtain farm loans, plan for the upcoming spring planting season or receive crop insurance payments.
With most of this year’s crop sold and input costs covered, Steve Warrick said next year will be critical for his Will County farm.
“Nobody has a handle on next year – from bankers to fertilizer companies,” he said.
If tariffs remain in place, he said: “It may be easier to farm it out to someone else and raise a steer for myself and raise a pig for myself and leave it at that.”
The recent article entitled “We’re ‘bullseye’ in trade wars” details the real threat that Kankakee farmers are under from President Trump’s misguided and ill-conceived trade war.
If the president continues to pursue his current course of dangerous action, the underpinning of Kankakee’s and Illinois’ economy will fall away.
Phone: (202) 225-0773
Fax: (202) 225-4583
Office Hours: M-F 9:00am-5:00pm (EST)
Phone: (773) 321-2001
Office hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: (708) 679-0078
Lower Level
Office Hours: open on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (708)-679-0078
Fax: (708)-679-0216
Office hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
