Ag lawmakers are making a vow to “protect and preserve” important services

Cuts are being made across the U.S. government. Lawmakers, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, say the American people voted for change but note he and his colleagues will fight to keep necessary services running.

“It’s important that you don’t undermine important services. In many cases, as you point out, there are some that affect my state, and there are some that affect all of my colleagues’ states around the country. We will work with the administration as they move forward to ensure that important services that have to do with health and safety, for example, are protected and preserved.”

The Trump Administration hopes these cuts will bring government spending down, and in turn, help tame inflation. While it has only been one month since Trump took office, Administration officials say inflation will not go away overnight.

“We’re still going to see some memory of Biden’s inflation. It’s not going to go away in a month, but the 10-year treasury before the last consumer price index had dropped about 40 basis points; 40 basis points because markets were optimistic about our ability to fight inflation. 40 basis points is kind of not a fun thing to say. I was kind of taught that way I apologize, but the way to think about it is for a typical mortgage, if that affects the mortgage rate, then it’s going to save a typical family buying a house about $1,000 a year, and that’s just in our first month.”

The Consumer Price Index, along with the Producer Price Index, both came in hotter than expected this month. The next CPI report comes out March 12th.

Related Stories
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.