Pro-pesticide provisions complicate farm bill’s passage

A contentious pro-pesticide provision in the farm bill could create hurdles to the legislation moving through the House, as lawmakers aligned with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement rage against the measure.

The language in question, which seeks to block some lawsuits against pesticide companies, has emerged as a major flash point among some Republicans in recent months. 

House GOP leaders are aiming to bring the farm bill across the finish line this week, but Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) likely will face a tough time mustering up support for it on the floor, as a number of Republicans are vowing to oppose the legislation unless the pesticide provision is removed. While some moderate Democrats may cross the aisle to support the farm bill, the same provision has also alienated many on the party’s left flank.

The provision would prevent states and courts from penalizing pesticide makers for failing to include warnings on their labels about health effects that go beyond those formally recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) warned Monday on the social platform X that “we will slaughter the farm bill” unless certain provisions — including the pesticide measure — are stripped. She also pointed to two other provisions that would seek to bar localities from adding regulations that go beyond those imposed by states or the EPA and that would block the need for additional permits for pesticide use.

“I have a little boy, and the amount of articles I have seen on pesticides and herbicides popping up in children’s products (to include organic) is very bad. On behalf of all the moms and dads that aren’t in office, I am not going to be bullied into supporting a bill that is providing protections and immunity to corporations that are responsible for giving children and adults cancer,” Luna wrote Tuesday on X.

Asked whether he would oppose the farm bill if the pesticide measure is still in it, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said, “That’s correct.”

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said he “probably would” oppose the bill when asked the same question.

“People........

© The Hill