U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D) and Lisa McClain (R) received the Friend of Farm Bureau award Aug. 22 while spending time locally with county Farm Bureau members during the August Congressional recess.
“This award recognizes members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau policy and whose actions demonstrate their commitment to agriculture,” said Michigan Farm Bureau National Legislative Counsel John Kran.
“The recipients are first nominated by a state Farm Bureau, then approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors after reviewing the individual’s voting record and other actions.
“We’re proud to recognize Representatives Dingell and McClain for their work on behalf of agriculture during the 2022 Congressional session.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell
The Fusilier family presented Rep. Dingell with the Friend of Farm Bureau award on a sunny afternoon, in the heat of fruit and vegetable harvest on their Manchester-based farm.
MFB District 3 Director Mike Fusilier, alongside wife Kathy and sons Travis and Chad — all dedicated Washtenaw County Farm Bureau leaders — thanked Dingell for her service to the state and nation’s farmers.
“Congresswoman Dingell supported the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a bill designed to support the growth and development of U.S. exports and promote reciprocal trade,” said Director Mike Fusilier.
“She also stood with Farm Bureau and supported extending the pandemic era Paycheck Protection Act, a program that helped many farmers get through a difficult time.”
Fusilier also expressed appreciation for Dingell’s support of legislation to aid in broadband expansion, as well as bills to creating mandatory livestock reporting and a cattle contract library.
Rep. Dingell represents the 6th district, including most of Washtenaw County and significant parts of Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.
Rep. Lisa McClain
A few hours later and a few counties to the north, Sanilac County Farm Bureau President Darcy Lipskey and MFB President Carl Bednarski presented Rep. McClain with the Friend of Farm Bureau award as part of the ever-popular Dinner on the Farm event, this year hosted by McConnachie Farms in Deckerville.
“We appreciate Congresswoman McClain voting in favor of legislation that removed hurdles for broadband projects and gave communities more flexibility,” said Lipskey in her remarks.
“Farm Bureau also encouraged the support of mandatory livestock reporting and a cattle contract library in the last session of Congress and we thank you for your support on these bills.”
Lipskey also thanked McClain for her support of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act and the Paycheck Protection Act.
Rep. McClain represents Huron, Sanilac, Lapeer, St. Clair, most of Tuscola, and portions of Macomb and Oakland counties.
Other members of the Michigan Congressional delegation receiving the award include Reps. Jack Bergman (R), Bill Huizenga (R), John Moolenaar (R), Dan Kildee (D), Fred Upton (R), Tim Walberg (R) and Brenda Lawrence (D).