The House recessed last week for five weeks and the Senate is scheduled to follow suit by the end of this week. When both return in September there will be a short legislative session before members leave again to return home to campaign for the upcoming midterm elections. Prior to departure the House completed action on a short-term FY 2027 continuing resolution (CR) that will keep the government operating until December 4.
Farm organizations have appealed to the administration to propose a new round of assistance for agricultural producers as part of a defense supplemental request for funding the conflict with Iran. The Pentagon is seeking $200 billion in supplemental funding for the war effort. Chairman Boozman stated that inclusion of farm aid is a “natural fit” for the supplemental bill, noting the harm the conflict is causing farmers through disrupted supply chains that have driven up the cost of fertilizer and fuel.
President Trump announced on December 8 a $12 billion farm aid package intended to support American farmers struggling with financial losses caused by trade wars, tariffs, and rising production costs. The aid package is designed to provide immediate relief to farmers who have faced declining export markets, particularly after China reduced purchases of U.S. soybeans and other crops in response to tariffs.