President-elect Trump’s pick to lead the EPA is in the hot seat this week. Lee Zeldin has been taking hard questions from Senators, including those about ethanol.
“I think that he was very forthright in saying when he voted against ethanol that he was a freshman Congressman and didn’t understand the issue. I think he’s had enough contact with Trump to know that Trump is pro-ethanol.”
Tariffs are also at the top of Grassley’s mind. He says he has urged the incoming Administration to rethink its strategy, but he admits he has had little success.
“I don’t think that the countervailing arguments that I’m making are going to be satisfactory to the Trump Administration, particularly if they’re going to have some sort of global tariff on 190 different countries that we could be dealing with.”
The expiring tax cuts are another area of concern this year but lawmakers say they are on it. Just this week, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to discuss them. A report by the National Association of Manufacturers shows the ag industry could lose 50,000 jobs if the 2017 tax cuts are not extended.
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
·
According to multiple reports, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering a bid for Minnesota governor. If elected, this would open a key seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
January 06, 2026 11:30 AM
·
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
January 06, 2026 11:17 AM
·
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.
January 05, 2026 12:20 PM
·
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.
January 05, 2026 10:17 AM
·
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.
December 23, 2025 02:01 PM
·
