(WASHINGTON D.C.) — As farm groups urge Congress to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded, that includes economic and disaster aid for farmers, it now appears that the original CR deal may be in jeopardy.
On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump shared his opposition to the bipartisan funding bill that would prevent a government shutdown. Members of Congress announced Tuesday a deal had been reached to keep the government open until March 14th. However Trump and his running mate JD Vance have released a joint statement criticizing the bill, jeopardizing its prospects in the Republican controlled House. Their statement told Republicans to toughen up against Democrats and “call their bluff.” Surprisingly Trump also demanded the bill include a debt ceiling increase, which neither party had been considering in the bill, saying it’s “not great but we’d rather do it on Biden’s watch.”
The original deal, as reported yesterday, would have included government funding through March 14th, 2025, a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, $100 billion dollars for disaster relief, $10 billion for economic aid to farmers, year-round legislation for E-15 gasoline sales and more.
Many farm and agriculture groups are urging Congress to pass a CR with the economic aid, Farm Bill extension and E-15 legislation. In a letter to Congress, National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr said “the market opportunity provided by allowing year-round E15 sales cannot be understated: Standardizing year-round E15 will result in an increase in corn demand of about 2.3 billion bushels per year,” Hartman noted in the letter. “Considering that about one-third of corn produced in the U.S. is used for ethanol production, this demand creation will result in an impressive improvement in profitability for operations across the nation.”
The letter from Hartman also noted the importance of the package for farmers and rural America. “This legislative package is very good news for corn growers – and in the midst of turmoil in the agriculture economy – we need good news,” Hartman said. “On behalf of corn growers across the nation, please throw your support behind this package; it will provide a boost to the U.S. corn industry that will have rippling effects across rural America.”
National Sorghum Producers Chair Amy France released a statement on Wednesday that said in part that “the inclusion of nearly $21 billion for crop loss assistance and $10 billion in economic relief provides substantial aid to the producers who need it most. This anticipated support offers vital relief to sorghum producers who have incurred $1.5 billion in losses this year. Additionally, it includes meaningful benefits for sorghum growers through the authorization of year-round E15 ethanol sales provision. We urge all Representatives and Senators to express their support and vote for this legislation to ensure the swift passage and streamlined delivery of assistance to sorghum growers.”
Jack Pettus, Chairman of American Sugar Alliance (ASA) and Vice President of the American Sugar Cane League, representing Louisiana’s sugar producers, issued the following statement saying “American farmers have dealt with extraordinary challenges over the past several years. We are grateful that Congress is advancing an extension of the Farm Bill while providing critical assistance, and we urge all members to pass this vital legislation. Congress must move a five-year Farm Bill as soon as possible in the new year. Congress has an opportunity to put America’s farmers first by delivering greater certainty for rural America and providing a stronger farm safety net.”
Congress has until Friday night to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded or it faces a shutdown as we enter into the holiday season. We will keep you updated on the latest developments from Capitol Hill.
