Amy France:
The Trump administration is asking Congress to pass a spending bill that includes priorities for the ag sector.
The supplemental funding package includes more than $11 billion in financial assistance and authorizes year-round sales of E15 nationwide.
But, House Ag Committee member Don Bacon of Nebraska tells Brownfield ,there could be a few political obstacles to get financial assistance across the finish line. “I think there is good support for the agriculture supplemental, but because it came in with a package with the military, we’ll have to work our way through that.”
On Wednesday, the White House submitted a national security supplemental spending request for $87.6 billion. The majority of it includes funding for the conflict in the Middle East.
National Sorghum Producers Chairwoman Amy France, a farmer from Kansas, says the ag components are much needed. “Farmers want to do what they do best. That’s produce. This E-15 component is long-term certainty where this marketing assistance is necessary for some, but it doesn’t give that long-term stability.”
CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol Brian Jennings says this week’s developments are another step forward. “Congress is only in session for a few short weeks between the end of June and the August recess. Time is really important here. We need the Senate to take action swiftly.”
Matt Frostic, vice president with the National Corn Growers Association and a Michigan farmer, says lawmakers have an opportunity to deliver a much-needed win with higher blends of ethanol, but it’s not going to immediately improve the farm economy. “We’re in a situation that’s been developing over the last several years and because we haven’t gotten good policy across that board that’s put us in this spot that we need the funding to get by.”
Barry Benson with First National Bank of Omaha says his customers will likely use the payment to improve working capital. “This would certainly be a shot in the arm to enhance that.”
Earlier this week, Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman says he supports both measures included in the package.
The Senate is in recess until Monday, July 13.
