At the beginning of yesterday, the Continuing Resolution (CR) did not include a replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which funds programs farmers and ranchers rely on, such as Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, Dairy Margin Coverage, and the Conservation Reserve Program. Thankfully, before the end of the day, lawmakers were able to come together and pass a Continuing Resolution that included funding for the CCC.
The CCC was dangerously close to running out of funds, which would have effectively shut down the farm safety net. The decision by House lawmakers to include a reimbursement of the Commodity Credit Corporation in the continuing resolution demonstrates their support for America’s farmers. The measure passed last tonight and will now go to the Senate.
Tuesday night ahead of the deal, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced an agreement with Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Republicans on the Continuing Resolution. “We have reached an agreement with Republicans on the CR to add nearly $8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families. We also increase accountability in the Commodity Credit Corporation, preventing funds for farmers from being misused for a Big Oil bailout.”
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said, “We applaud Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Conaway for their leadership, and House lawmakers for putting aside their differences to address the hardships being felt by America’s farmers and ranchers. For years, funding the CCC has been a bipartisan commitment. While we were disappointed it recently became a political flashpoint, we are pleased lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize that these funds help to sustain conservation programs and stock America’s pantry. I would be remiss if I did not also thank the Farm Bureau members across the country who let their elected leaders know how important the farm safety net is to the future of U.S. agriculture. We are grateful farmers’ voices were heard.”
“Not only will this deal avert a government shutdown, the CR will also allow for timely implementation of much-needed assistance for farmers, ranchers, and growers,” said U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
