WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation to lower costs at the grocery store, reduce gas prices and strengthen food supply chains. 

VIDEO: Dean Phillips speaks at press conference heralding the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act

The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act is comprised of bills led by both Democrats and Republicans that would address systemic risks in the supply chains of the American energy and agriculture sectors. The legislation would also combat rising fertilizer prices and increase the availability of higher ethanol blends and other biofuels in Minnesota and across the country.

“Representation begins with listening. Rising costs are hurting working families and Americans are calling on Congress to pass urgent relief,” Phillips said. “We have a responsibility to transcend politics in this institution and show the country that during one the most-anxiety ridden, fearful times in our modern history, we can work together to help people.”

Click here for a summary of the provisions found in the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act.

The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act will help lower prices at the pump by: 

• Expanding U.S. biofuels investments and giving consumers the choice to purchase fuels that are cheaper than standard gasoline.
• Deploying additional storage and dispensing equipment to increase availability of higher ethanol blends and other biofuels.
• Moving forward with voluntary year-round sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol — known as E-15 or Unleaded 88.

The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act will help lower grocery store costs and strengthen support for America’s ag industry by:

• Increasing competition and combatting consolidation in the American meat industry.
• Reducing input costs on fertilizer and improving access to precision agriculture practices.
• Rebalancing the U.S. cattle market and leveling the playing field for small and medium-sized meat processors.
• Providing new assistance to specialty and row crop producers who undertake USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service practice standards.
• Creating an Agricultural and Food System Supply Chain Resilience and Crisis Response Task Force at USDA.

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