Through fires, floods, and freezing weather, we will always stand with the American farmers. The Farm Bill doubles the amount of farmers that they can borrow to expand and improve their farms. It expends and goes all over rural broadband. We are doing broadband. Everyone wanted it so badly. It's amazing how sophisticated the whole farm industry has become. But it expands rural broadband, and dedicates additional resources to fight the opioid crisis. A tremendous crisis that we have it down about 18 percent, but it's just not acceptable. It's an incredible problem for our country. It opens new markets for American agriculture all over the world.
In addition to signing this critical legislation, today I am directing my administration to take immediate action on welfare reform. Thanks to our thriving economy, we have already lifted more than 4.6 million Americans off the food stamp roll since the election. And more work remains to be done. (Applause.) A lot more work remains to be done, but it's been incredible the strides that we've made. And I will say, it's really because of the fact that the economy is doing so well, and the farms now are being lifted.
And again, I'll go back to President Xi of China, at our meeting two weeks ago, he's agreed to start purchasing tremendous amounts of farm product. You know that. You know that better than - you were the first one I called, actually. (Applause.) In particular, soybeans. And they're starting that already, and I think you've already seen the signs of that. But they're starting that already.
Millions of able-bodied, working-age adults continue to collect food stamps without working or even looking for work. Our goal is to move these Americans from dependence to independence, and into a good-paying job and rewarding career.
Therefore, I have directed Secretary Perdue to use his authority under the law to close work requirement loopholes in the food stamp program. Under this new rule, able-bodied adults without dependents will have to work, or look for work, in order to receive their food stamps. Today's action will help Americans transition from welfare to gainful employment, strengthening families and uplifting communities. And that was a difficult thing to get done, but the farmers wanted it done; we all wanted it done. And I think, in the end, it's going to make a lot of people very happy. It's called "work rules." And Sonny is able, under this bill, to implement them through regulation.
With the passage of the Farm Bill, we are delivering to the farmers and ranchers, who are the heart and soul of America, all sorts of things that they never even thought possible. We are ensuring that American agriculture will always feed our families, nourish our communities, power our commerce, and inspire our nation.
And I am opening up massive new markets in order to do things with other countries. You know, we've opened various countries; Canada as an example. Canada is going to be much more open over the USMCA. It's a terrific document. It replaces the horrible NAFTA deal. It was a horrible deal for this country.
Before signing, I'd like to invite Secretary Perdue, who, as I said, is just doing an incredible job. He loves what he does. He loves the farmers and loves what he does. And I'm going to ask Sonny to say a few words.
Thank you, Sonny.
SECRETARY PERDUE: Thank you, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. (Applause.)
SECRETARY PERDUE: Well, Mr. President, you can tell by the temperature in this room today, it's a great day for agriculture. It's a delight to have so many members of Congress here, with the leaders, and chairman of the committee who worked so hard; the ranking members. We've got many members of USDA staff here who have worked hand in hand with your committees over this working of the Farm Bill, on both sides, and I'm very proud of the work they've done.
I think - I think we counted up. I believe there were over 2,000 issues of technical assistance, which we've provided the committees. And we believe that's the way this should work. It's your job to write the laws, and our job to implement and give you datas and facts whenever you need it.
So we're very proud of our USDA people here, and I want to thank them today for their hard work as well. (Applause.)
Mr. President, it is a great birthday present not only for me, but for all of agriculture, to give the producers, the ranchers, and farmers across America the peace of mind. Going forward, they can make their plans in 2019; make their lenders and bankers proud of what they can plan for.
The underpinning of the safety net of crop insurance - those kind of things - is a big deal for agriculture. It's a big deal for the U.S. economy, the ag economy, for food security, and for national security.
I don't know if you remember this, President Trump, but I - this is my lucky tractor tie. I wore it to the Trump Tower in November of 2016. I thought it was appropriate to wear it today to celebrate, again, the conclusion of over a-year-and-a-half work of a farm bill. And I'm just delighted to be here with you. I want to thank you for your leadership.
As a businessperson, we know you to be a builder - a builder of the economy, a builder of buildings. And it's amazing to me the affinity - having grown up in your career, in New York - the affinity and the affection that you have for our farmers and ranchers. And I think it's because you know them to be builders as well. They take the risk of the hands every day, every year, putting that seed in the ground. Their faith and their optimism, and their hope. Look at these young people in these FAA jackets out here. Understanding the optimism they have for the great story of American agriculture.
I am proud to be U.S. Department of - Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue. And I am delighted to work on behalf of the farmers and ranchers. I am delighted to work for you, Mr. President, because you understand their heart. And this bill goes a long way.
Thank you, folks, for passing a great bill. We're going to do our best to implement that bill as you've intended. Thank you and God bless you. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Sonny. (Applause.)
So now it's my great honor to sign the 2018 Farm Bill - very, very special, important piece of legislation. Thank you, Mitch. Very good. Great job. Thank you. Thank you all. (Applause.)
(The bill is signed.)
Thank you all very much. (Applause.)
