Congressman Gray was able to unanimously pass an additional amendment to the Farm Bill that will help protect the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by prohibiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing dangerous cost-sharing or matching requirements.
I will protect the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from USDA cost-sharing or matching requirements.
Occurrences
Evidence
"Most recently, on the House floor, Congressman Gray was able to unanimously pass an additional amendment to the Farm Bill that will help protect the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by prohibiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing dangerous cost-sharing or matching requirements."
"No federal cost sharing or matching requirement. Cost share/match should not be included in the submitted application nor subsequent performance or financial reports."
"The FY 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) application period is open through June 8, 2026."
Assessments
Gray appears to have materially advanced the promised protection by winning House adoption of a Farm Bill amendment barring USDA from imposing cost-sharing or matching requirements on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. That is strong evidence of serious action in office. However, the record provided does not show that this amendment became enacted federal law, and USDA's 2026 program guidance showing no matching requirement does not by itself establish that Gray caused or secured that outcome; it may reflect continuing agency policy rather than a completed statutory protection attributable to him. Because he made a substantial legislative effort and achieved House passage of his amendment, but full, clearly attributable delivery is not established from the evidence, partial credit is most appropriate.