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Congressmen discuss agricultural export opportunities, challenges faced by specialty crop producers, and the future of congressional trade authority at Center Forward’s American Economic Leadership and Trade Summit.

By Ellie Gustafson

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) speak at Center Forward’s Trade Summit on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) joined Center Forward’s American Economic Leadership and Trade Summit for a bipartisan conversation on the future of U.S. agricultural trade—emphasizing the importance of expanding exports, providing certainty for producers, and strengthening America’s food security amid growing global competition.

With both Members reflecting on their own experiences as farmers and rural Americans, the discussion centered on the challenges facing farmers across the country. Rep. Bacon highlighted the need for more robust and diverse export opportunities for U.S. producers, especially growers who rely heavily on international demand. He argued that expanding access to overseas markets is essential for maintaining America’s position as a leading agricultural exporter.

Rep. Costa underscored the unique challenges facing specialty crop producers, noting that growers need greater certainty to make long-term investments and remain competitive in global markets. The lawmakers agreed that trade policy should provide producers with the stability necessary to plan for future seasons and respond to changing market conditions.

A recurring theme throughout the panel was the connection between agriculture and national security. The Congressmen argued that maintaining a strong domestic agricultural sector and reliable food supply is a strategic imperative. As geopolitical competition and supply chain disruptions continue to reshape global trade, both lawmakers emphasized the importance of policies that strengthen U.S. agricultural production and export capacity.

The panel concluded with a discussion of congressional trade authority and tariffs. Responding to an audience question, the lawmakers reflected on Congress’s historic role in trade policy and the importance of exercising a balance of powers between the legislative and executive branches on tariff decisions.

“I was grateful to speak at Center Forward’s Trade Summit,” said Rep. Bacon. “We know trade works best when it opens markets for Nebraska farmers and manufacturers, lowers costs for families, strengthens supply chains, and supports our allies. I support targeted tariffs against countries that engage in unfair trade practices, but broad-based global tariffs are bad economics and act as a tax on American consumers and producers. Congress has constitutional authority over tariffs and trade, and we must stand on its own two feet and do its job.”

Throughout the conversation, Reps. Bacon and Costa found common ground on the importance of agricultural exports, market certainty, and strengthening America’s global competitiveness. Agricultural trade remains a critical tool for supporting rural communities, expanding economic opportunity, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in the global economy.