Sen. Shaheen Introduces AFFIRM Act to Cap Crop Insurance Subsidies for Wealthy Farmers
The AFFIRM Act of 2026 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was recently introduced in the Senate and sent to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for review. No further actions are scheduled at this time.
While some lawmakers want to cut spending, the powerful farm lobby and representatives from agricultural states usually block efforts to cap insurance benefits.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
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Private crop insurance companies, which operate as businesses selling and servicing federally subsidized policies, would face profit caps of 8.9% and a $900 million annual ceiling on administrative cost reimbursements. This could squeeze margins for insurance providers, potentially leading to reduced service or fewer companies willing to participate in the program. Some smaller insurance agencies in rural areas might find it harder to operate profitably under tighter federal reimbursements.
“the total amount of reimbursements for administrative and operating costs for the 2027 reinsurance year for all types of policies and plans of insurance shall not exceed $900,000,000.”
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen introduced the AFFIRM Act to overhaul federal crop insurance, proposing a $40,000 annual subsidy cap and a $250,000 income limit for eligibility. The bill aims to save $40 billion over a decade by reducing payments to large agribusinesses and private insurance companies.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has reintroduced the AFFIRM Act, a proposal to cap federal crop insurance subsidies at $40,000 and eliminate them for producers earning over $250,000. While the bill targets 'corporate welfare,' it faces long odds in a Congress protective of the farm safety net.
The AFFIRM Act would cap federal crop insurance subsidies at $40,000 per farmer annually and eliminate premium subsidies for producers earning more than $250,000 per year. Shaheen said the proposal is aimed at redirecting support toward smaller operations amid rising fuel and fertilizer prices.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
AFFIRM Act of 2026
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