Good afternoon,

As President-elect Trump continues to prepare for his second term in the White House, there has been a lot of buzz around his agency nominations and plans to hit the ground running with deportation action and aggressive tariffs. While rural voters largely helped Trump get his second act, some farmers and others in the agriculture industry are voicing concern over his plans that could disrupt America's $1.5 trillion food industry. This week, Trump nominated Robert F. Kenndy Jr., a known anti-vaxxer with no scientific or medical training, who is also highly skeptical toward established medical practices, to head the Department of Health and Human Services. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the nomination could be damaging to the farm industry and America as a whole on so many levels. Trump has yet to nominate someone to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but based on his previous selections, we're dubious the eventual selection will be qualified for the position.

Here are a few important updates ...

STABENOW STANDING FOR FARMERS

• On a positive note, Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released the long-awaited farm bill draft text ahead of funding for many programs expiring on December 31. The bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, will be Stabenow's last opportunity to make her mark on farm and nutrition policy before she retires at the end of the 118th Congress. The legislation includes $39 billion in new resources, providing farmers with the certainty of a 5-year Farm Bill and support they need to manage the urgent needs they are facing today.

• One Country has long applauded Stabenow for her work to improve American agriculture. Last year, One Country recognized Senator Stabenow's leadership with the Lifetime Rural Champion Award for her exemplary commitment to improving the lives of rural communities across the country throughout her time in office. This last move from the senator is powerful with the potential to catalyze action during the lame-duck session of Congress and limit the Trump administration's ability to use the Commodity Credit Corporation to compensate farmers for the impact of a new trade war.

A FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR RURAL AMERICA

• Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed its Rural Public Health Strategic Plan which lays out the priorities, objectives and outcomes the agency hopes to see over the next five years as it works with other agencies and stakeholders to improve rural health. After the plan was developed with support of more than 50 experts from the CDC, the agency gathered feedback from federal, state, and outside partners. 1 in 5 Americans live in rural areas and this population faces higher risks of death due to several demographic, environmental, and social factors like limited access to specialized medical care. Moving forward with programs and research into rural health needs, the strategic plan will serve as a guide for the CDC's Office of Rural Health and the CDC at large.

• While Trump's America is creating alarm and uncertainty around the future, one thing remains clear. The fight for a stronger rural America must go on. This part of the country has been neglected for far too long, especially when it comes to rural health care. The CDC's rural health plan is a step in the right direction, but the more important step will be putting this plan into action.

REVENGE OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

• In 2012 Wyoming reacted to the passage of the Affordable Care Act by amending their state constitution to state that every resident of Wyoming has the right to make their own health care decisions. Now that constitutional provision has been cited as the basis for overturning the state's ban on abortion and the abortion medication mifepristone. The conservative reactionary response against expanding access to basic healthcare has now inadvertently spoiled the same group's intention to limit women's healthcare choices.

• House Democratic leadership elections are scheduled for November 19 and 20.

• The leadership race for the DNC is beginning to take shape with former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Minnesota-DFL Chair Ken Martin throwing their hats in the ring. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wickler is expected to join the race as well. As many as 16 candidates have expressed interest in succeeding outgoing Chair Jamie Harrison of South Carolina.

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