The Trump Administration has put a hold on all operations with the U.S. Agency for International Development, which is tasked by Congress to distribute humanitarian aid around the globe. Supporters say the Agency is rife with corruption, but some ag lawmakers warn millions of dollars of food could go to waste.
This week on X, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that hundreds of millions of dollars of American-grown food is in jeopardy of rotting at U.S. ports. Then late last night, USAID offices were shuttered globally without much notice.
In his weekly call with ag reporters, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said there has been a lot of waste in the program and said a 90-day waiting period is the right call.
“I think you have to separate those out, and I think before the 90 days are up, and maybe even today, you’re going to have some modifications of that. But, without a doubt, I think that USAID needs a really thorough investigation.”
USAID was started by Executive Order under President Kennedy in 1961. Congress codified its existence in 1998.
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
February 06, 2026 12:07 PM
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HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
February 06, 2026 11:48 AM
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The House Agriculture Committee is set to debate a new, “skinny” Farm Bill at the end of February, according to a release from Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson.
February 05, 2026 12:35 PM
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Regulatory uncertainty could slow the growth of fiber and grain hemp unless implementation is delayed.
February 04, 2026 05:00 PM
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As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
February 04, 2026 01:41 PM
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Mexico has fallen behind by several hundred thousand acre-feet in required water deliveries to the United States, a shortfall that has had devastating consequences across the Rio Grande Valley.
February 04, 2026 12:23 PM
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