The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act (H.R. 9100) aims to update tax-exempt bond programs to better support small to mid-sized manufacturers and first-time farmers. Key changes include expanding the definition of manufacturing facilities to cover those producing intangible property like software, increasing the maximum bond size from $10 million to $30 million, and raising the total bond limit for a single taxpayer from $40 million to $120 million, with future adjustments for inflation. For first-time farmers, the bill increases the bond limit from $450,000 to $1 million, removes restrictions on financing used farm equipment, and adjusts the definition of substantial farmland to use average farm size, making it easier for new farmers to access financing.
Supporters of the Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act highlight its potential to stimulate economic growth by providing updated financial tools for small manufacturers and new farmers. By increasing bond limits and expanding definitions, the bill is seen as a way to modernize outdated regulations, thereby encouraging investment in manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Proponents argue that these changes will lead to job creation, enhanced competitiveness, and a more robust economy.
Critics of the Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act express concerns about the potential for increased government spending and the effectiveness of tax-exempt bonds in stimulating economic growth. Some argue that raising bond limits could lead to higher levels of debt without guaranteeing corresponding economic benefits. Additionally, there are apprehensions that the expanded definitions and increased limits might primarily benefit larger entities rather than the small to mid-sized businesses and first-time farmers the bill intends to support.
The analysis of H.R. 9100 reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor, Darin LaHood's top donor industries, and the bill's subject matter, which focuses on modernizing agricultural and manufacturing bonds. The lobbying activity related to this bill includes various organizations that have contributed significant amounts, such as the National Association of State Aviation Officials ($30,000) and Zero to Three ($60,000). However, these organizations do not directly correlate with LaHood's top donor industries, suggesting a low risk of conflicts of interest. The absence of direct financial ties between the sponsor's donors and the bill's focus indicates that the motivations behind the bill are likely not influenced by donor interests, making it a low-risk scenario for voters.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ZERO TO THREE | ACTUM I, LLC | $60,000 |
| SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION | SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION | $34,000 |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE AVIATION OFFICIALS | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE AVIATION OFFICIALS | $30,000 |
| SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION | RICH FEUER ANDERSON | $30,000 |
| EARLY EDGE CALIFORNIA | ACTUM I, LLC | $20,000 |
| POWERUS | SAUNDERS GLOBAL DIPLOMACY | $17,500 |
| ALABAMA FAMILIES FOR GREAT SCHOOLS | BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS LLP | $10,000 |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE | ACTUM I, LLC | $10,000 |
| MID-TIER ADVOCACY | WASHINGTON PREMIER GROUP | undisclosed |
| SPECIALTY MATERIALS, INC | STRATEGIC MARKETING INNOVATIONS | undisclosed |
| SENECA NATION | SPIRIT ROCK CONSULTING | undisclosed |
| JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS | JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS | undisclosed |
| ALLIANCE FOR MEDICARE | THE PICARD GROUP, LLC | undisclosed |
| GULF PORTS ASSN | PAT YOUNGER | undisclosed |
| FUTURE DEFENSE USA, INC. | DENNIS CARDOZA CONSULTING SERVICES | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Darin LaHood, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
