Figures, Marques Clash Over Farm Bill in AL-2
Marques says Figures’ vote hurt farmers. Figures blames Trump’s policies and says the bill fell short of rural needs
TL;DR: Marques says Figures hurt farmers by voting against the Farm Bill. Figures says the measure fell short and Trump’s policies worsened farm costs. The bill passed the House despite Figures’ no vote.
U.S. Representative Shomari Figures (D-AL-02) and Republican challenger Rhett Marques are trading blame over farm policy, rising costs and who would better serve Alabama growers in the 2nd Congressional District.
In exchanges reported by WTVY, Marques faulted Figures for opposing the Farm Bill. Figures pushed back, comparing his rival’s criticism to an arsonist offering to fight a fire he helped start.
“That farm bill was going to help the farmers. The Democrats, including my opponent, voted against that. And that hurt the farmers,” Marques said.
The House Clerk’s roll call confirms that Figures voted against the Farm, Food, and National Security Act on April 30. The House passed it 224–200, with 14 Democrats joining 209 Republicans and one independent in support.
House Agriculture Committee Republicans say the measure would expand access to farm credit, improve tools to manage risk and strengthen rural communities. They also cite support for precision farming, conservation and sales of American farm goods abroad.
Figures told WTVY the bill offered too little relief and raised concerns about its effects on rural hospitals and land-grant schools. He also blamed Trump administration policies for higher diesel and fertilizer costs.
Marques’ campaign countered that Democratic tax-and-spend policies drove those costs higher. It also pointed to his backing from the Alabama Farmers Federation.
ALFA endorsed Marques in June, citing his record as a small business owner and State lawmaker. The group said its endorsement followed recommendations from county farm groups across the district.
Figures has also challenged Trump’s beef import policy. In an August announcement, he opposed a plan allowing up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef into the country tariff-free over 90 days. He argued that the move would undercut American cattle producers while offering little help to shoppers.
His office also cited his Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act, which would authorize up to $15 billion in temporary relief for family farms. That proposal reflects Figures’ case for added federal aid, while Marques is pressing voters to judge the incumbent by his vote against the broader Farm Bill.
WTVY’s full report may be seen at THIS LINK.
