Congress in Stalemate Over Economic Aid for Farmers
Photo by Adam Schultz
Negotiations on funding economic aid for farmers and climate funding for farm conservation programs have grown contentious in the face of a rapidly approaching December 21 deadline. The continuing resolution for the farm bill is facing uncertainty as farm-state Republicans threaten to withhold support for the legislation if it excludes funding for farmers hit by hurricanes and other natural disasters.
GOP leaders report that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson wants to pass the entire funding measure and disaster package together, via suspension. That will require the speaker to find more Democrat votes to reach the required two-thirds majority. Democrats are demanding their own additions in return.
Lawmakers are pushing for a one-year farm bill extension with separate disaster funding. However, negotiators are still debating whether they can attach economic aid for farmers affected by disasters. If the economic aid for farmers is excluded, many farmers could have farm loans denied due to the challenging economic conditions.
Both Republican and Democratic legislators have signaled the delay is partially responsible for a spiraling farm crisis.
In a blow to Democrats, $14 billion in conservation climate funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will likely expire. Democrats and Republicans disagree over the strict climate parameters attached to the funding. However, lawmakers haven’t reached a final deal. Many farm-state Republicans wanted to reinvest the IRA dollars to boost the farm bill baseline.
Adding to the turmoil surrounding the farm bill, House Ag Democrats are deciding who will lead the House Ag Committee. This is a key position as farm bill talks are pushed into 2025. It is a three-way race between David Scott, the incumbent from Georgia, Jim Costa from California and Angie Craig from Minnesota.
Craig and Costa have highlighted their agricultural experience and desire to reconnect with rural American farmers.