(WASHINGTON D.C.) — As Congress races to avert a government shutdown before Friday’s deadline, farm groups urge lawmakers to pass a continuing resolution (CR) that includes economic and disaster aid for farmers. However, the bipartisan deal that seemed secure earlier this week now faces fresh uncertainty.
On Tuesday, members of Congress announced a tentative agreement to keep the government funded through March 14, 2025. The deal included critical provisions such as a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, $100 billion in disaster relief, $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, and legislation supporting year-round legislation for E-15 gasoline sales. The proposed package was widely praised by agricultural groups as essential for addressing economic challenges in rural America.
But by Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, expressed strong opposition to the bipartisan measure. In a joint statement, they urged Republican lawmakers to “toughen up against Democrats” and “call their bluff,” throwing the deal’s prospects into doubt in the Republican-controlled House. Surprisingly, Trump also demanded the bill include a debt ceiling increase—a controversial addition that had not been part of the negotiations. “It’s not great, but we’d rather do it on Biden’s watch,” he said.
The uncertainty has sparked echos of alarmed agricultural organizations that view the CR as a lifeline for farmers facing economic turmoil and weather-related challenges. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) emphasized the importance of the package in a letter to Congress, highlighting the economic benefits of year-round E15 ethanol sales.
“The market opportunity provided by allowing year-round E15 sales cannot be understated,” said NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Standardizing year-round E15 will result in an increase in corn demand of about 2.3 billion bushels per year. Considering that about one-third of corn produced in the U.S. is used for ethanol production, this demand creation will result in an impressive improvement in profitability for operations across the nation.”
Hartman also pointed to the broader implications of the package for rural America. “This legislative package is very good news for corn growers—and in the midst of turmoil in the agriculture economy—we need good news,” he wrote. “On behalf of corn growers across the nation, please throw your support behind this package; it will provide a boost to the U.S. corn industry that will have rippling effects across rural America.”
Other agricultural leaders echoed Hartman’s concerns. Amy France, chair of the National Sorghum Producers, stressed the critical need for disaster relief funds. “The inclusion of nearly $21 billion for crop loss assistance and $10 billion in economic relief provides substantial aid to the producers who need it most,” she said in a statement. “This anticipated support offers vital relief to sorghum producers who have incurred $1.5 billion in losses this year. Additionally, it includes meaningful benefits for sorghum growers through the authorization of year-round E15 ethanol sales provision. We urge all Representatives and Senators to express their support and vote for this legislation to ensure the swift passage and streamlined delivery of assistance to sorghum growers.”
Jack Pettus, chairman of the American Sugar Alliance and vice president of the American Sugar Cane League, highlighted the importance of long-term stability for farmers. “American farmers have dealt with extraordinary challenges over the past several years,” Pettus said. “We are grateful that Congress is advancing an extension of the Farm Bill while providing critical assistance, and we urge all members to pass this vital legislation. Congress has an opportunity to put America’s farmers first by delivering greater certainty for rural America and providing a stronger farm safety net.”
With just hours left before the government runs out of funding, the stakes for farmers and rural communities are high. Farm groups warn that any delay in passing the CR could jeopardize essential aid and prolong economic uncertainty in an already volatile agricultural economy.
The coming days will be critical as lawmakers navigate political divisions and mounting pressure from stakeholders. Will Congress reach a consensus to keep the government running and deliver relief to farmers? We’ll continue to monitor developments from Capitol Hill and provide updates as they unfold.