This was a vote on an amendment by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) that would have required the Agriculture Department to set aside funding for cooperatives that support farmers who are members of minority groups. This amendment was offered to legislation providing annual funding for Agriculture Department programs.

Jackson Lee urged support for her amendment: “However, in this significant group of American farmers, it is important that we not overlook the too often marginalized population of minority farmers. As many of you may know, the history of minority farmers and government programs is a long and tumultuous one. Minority farmers have faced years of institutionalized discrimination when applying for federal government funding. This is a fact that is discouraging for many minority farmers, and quite frankly embarrassing for many government institutions….The time has come for the United States to take a proactive role in upholding the standards of equality and fairness in
the agricultural sector. I believe it is of the utmost importance that we make use of every available opportunity to acknowledge the work of all Americans whose labor contributes to the health and welfare of society. All agricultural workers, minority farmers in particular, should be provided the necessary assistance to ensure that the fruits of their labor can continue to fuel our daily work.”

No Republicans spoke on Jackson Lee’s amendment. Most Republicans, however, voted against it.

The House rejected this amendment by a vote of 182-235. Voting “yea” were 174 Democrats and 8 Republicans. 226 Republicans and 9 Democrats voted “nay.” As a result, the House rejected an amendment that would have required the Agriculture Department to set aside funding for cooperatives that support farmers who are members of minority groups.