ICBA Statement on Farm Bill Deadlock

Washington, D.C. (Aug. 6, 2026) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey today issued the following statement on consideration of the Agricultural Act of 2026 by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“ICBA and the nation’s community banks appreciate the committee’s thoughtful deliberations on the passage of a new farm bill. Although the bill did not pass today, a tremendous amount of effort has been invested into this process by senators and their staff, and eventual passage is achievable. Passage of a new farm bill will be a positive step for the agricultural sector and our nation’s community banks, which provide approximately 80% of all loans extended by banks to the nation’s farmers and ranchers.

“We appreciate the bill’s enhancements of USDA guaranteed farm loan programs, such as higher loan limits, prompt loan approvals and other modifications. These changes, combined with other farm safety net updates, will better enable producers to repay their farm loans in this difficult agricultural environment.

“However, further modifications are needed to ensure the Farm Credit System expansions have real guardrails, accountability, and transparency to ensure this power-hungry government-sponsored enterprise adheres to its original mission—serving agriculture—rather than pursuing broad nonfarm financing activities far afield of its purpose. To maximize credit availability, Congress needs to ensure the rural credit market is not tilted away from private-sector, tax-paying community banks to an out-of-control GSE.”

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.