Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AK), and Senate Ag Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Hoeven (R-ND), released the framework of a proposal to provide additional financial assistance to farmers, including specialty growers and sugar producers, to augment the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance program announced by the Trump administration in December. The package could be added to the FY 26 funding package that Congress must pass by January 30 to avoid a partial government shutdown. Although the amount was not specified, Agri-Pulse reports that a $15 billion package is being discussed.
A press release from the involved senators says the money “would cover a greater share of producer losses, allowing farmers to receive bankable and timely assistance,” including prevent-plant acreage. The proposal also would raise USDA-backed farm operating and ownership loans, an issue that normally would be addressed in a farm bill.
It’s unclear if House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) supports this effort, but he has expressed support for additional payments to farmers. House Democrats have separately put forth a farm assistance plan that would also include help to ensure food benefits for low-income families currently scheduled for cuts. The proposal from Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), top-ranking Democrat on the House Ag Committee, would provide $17 billion in farmer assistance.