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The White House is amplifying calls from agricultural associations for the Senate to pass a $95 billion framework for a third budget reconciliation package, which includes a tranche of farm aid along with emergency Iran war funding.
In statements first provided to The Hill by the White House, the American Sugar Alliance, the Farm Credit Council, the Forest Landowners Association and the National Cotton Council all called on the Senate to pass the package.
The $95 billion framework, which was passed in the House last month, provides $12 billion in agriculture aid, along with $73 billion in defense and intelligence funding, and $10 billion for a fund aimed at incentivizing states to adopt Trump-backed voting restrictions.
“Farm Credit thanks the Senate for consideration of a reconciliation package that includes $12 billion in critical economic and disaster assistance for farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” said Christy Seyfert, president and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, urging “swift passage” of the legislation.
A spokesperson for the Forest Landowners Association also cited the importance of providing disaster relief as a part of passing the package, noting the uptick in wildfires and hurricane season.
“Congress and the Administration must ensure disaster relief funding and recovery opportunities are readily available so private forest landowners can restore damaged forests and continue keeping America’s working forests healthy, productive, and resilient,” the spokesperson said.
The American Sugar Alliance’s executive committee noted how the agricultural and tax provisions of last year’s reconciliation package help with “meaningful progress” toward helping producers “weather those economic headwinds.”
“We commend Congress for recognizing the need to strengthen the farm safety net and provide tax policies that support family farming operations and rural businesses,” the committee said.
The National Cotton Council called on the Senate Agriculture Committee to pass a package that “at least mirrors the $12 billion of the House directive – or, ideally, slightly exceeds it.”
The package faces an uphill climb in the upper chamber.
Senate Republicans are divided over the package, which contains financial incentives for passing election laws, including the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-N.D.) has repeatedly said that Republicans do not have the votes to pass it.
Additionally, Republicans remain divided over the amount of funds in the package, while some are wary of funding an unpopular war. The White House argues the funds are necessary to replenish U.S. stockpiles of modern weapons and ensure future military innovation.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly touted the Trump administration’s record on agriculture in a statement to The Hill and pledged that the legislation would “strengthen our rural economy.”
“President Trump has done more for American agriculture than anyone by negotiating new trade deals, expanding foreign market access, lowering input costs, bolstering the farm safety net, doubling the death tax exemption, ending taxes on rural property loan interest, creating rural opportunity zones, and more,” Kelly said.
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