​​WASHINGTON, D.C., May 17, 2018 —The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I") today released the following statement by Charles Symington, Big “I" senior vice president of external, industry & government affairs, on the failure of a Farm Bill amendment that would have effectively phased out the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

 “The Federal Crop Insurance Program is the most important risk managing tool that farmers have, and it is critical for the economic security of every American, not just those in the heartland. The Big “I" commends all 380 members of the House of Representatives who voted against an amendment by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-California) that would have gutted the crop insurance program. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to get a Farm Bill supportive of crop insurance enacted into law."

 Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I") is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products.

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