WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Another round of federal financial assistance for farmers could be one step closer to becoming law.
House Speaker Mike Johnson says the House Budget Committee is expected to vote on a budget resolution to fund the military. Attached to that legislation is a $20 billion aid package for farmers, a proposal first reported by RFD-TV in June.
If approved, the measure would advance as part of what House leaders are calling “Reconciliation 3.0,” a broader legislative package aimed at addressing several spending priorities.
Johnson says multiple House committees, including the House Agriculture Committee, will help craft the reconciliation bill in the coming weeks.
The proposed farm assistance comes as many producers continue to face low commodity prices, high input costs, and ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade, weather, and global markets.
Lawmakers have not yet released details on how the $20 billion would be distributed, but agriculture groups are closely watching the legislation as Congress continues work on the package.
Boozman Says Senate Ready to Move Farm Bill Forward as Time Runs Short
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says work on the next Farm Bill is moving ahead, and he expects Senate leadership to provide the floor time needed to advance the legislation.
Boozman says the committee remains open to making changes based on lawmakers’ feedback, including adding or removing provisions as needed to build support.
He also expressed confidence that Senate Majority Leader John Thune understands the importance of passing a new farm bill, noting Thune’s active role on the Agriculture Committee and his agricultural background representing South Dakota.
Boozman says he expects leadership to give the legislation the time it needs on the Senate floor once it is ready for consideration.
Meanwhile, on the House side, Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson is warning lawmakers that the window to pass a new farm bill is narrowing.
Thompson says if Congress does not approve a farm bill by early January, lawmakers would have to begin the legislative process again in the next Congress, potentially delaying long-awaited updates to farm programs, conservation initiatives, crop insurance, and other agricultural priorities.
