Congress returns Monday for a two week session that will address additional federal funding for targeted industries under coronavirus relief assistance. Early Senate reports are that proposed agriculture funding may be in line with House passed legislation to provide an estimated $33 billion to ag programs, including $16.5 billion for additional payments to supplement payments for losses farmers suffered since the pandemic outbreak. Bill Northey, USDA’s undersecretary for farm production recently said that there should be enough money on hand to give farmers the remaining 20% of what they are due under the $16 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. He goes on to say the payments should be made by the end of August. With Congress set to recess in August and November elections looming, this may be the last chance to secure needed financial aid.
