Behind Reps. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), the bipartisan group of lawmakers says reauthorizing the bill, which expires Sept. 30, is necessary to ensure the nation’s farmers “can continue to provide an abundant, affordable and safe food supply.”

They’re also emphasizing the importance of food stamps in the down economy and arguing the bill’s farm subsidies will stimulate the economy.

“Agriculture supports nearly 16 million jobs nationwide and over 45 million people are helped each year by the nutrition programs in the farm bill,” the lawmakers wrote to Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.).