THIS WEEK IN
Federal Policy News
October 5, 2022
Congress Passes Continuing Resolution 
On September 30th, Congress passed the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act to extend funding for the federal government through December 16, 2022. Funding for the federal government was set to lapse September 30, 2022. On Tuesday of last week, the majority introduced the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act to extend funding for the federal government through December 16, 2022, as well as provide supplemental funding to support efforts in Ukraine (among other riders). 
 
In order to successfully pass the legislation, the Senate removed Senator Manchin’s permitting reform legislation that was originally attached. On Thursday, September 29, 2022, the Senate passed the continuing resolution by a vote of 72-25. The House followed suit on Friday, September 30, 2022 and passed it by a vote of 230-201 to avert a government shutdown. 
USDA Announces $500M in Fertilizer Grants 
On September 27th, USDA Secretary Vilsack announced implementation of a new $500 million grant program intended to spur competition and help U.S. farmers address rising costs. The Fertilizer Product Expansion Program (FPEP) will provide grants to help eligible applicants increase or otherwise expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer, nutrient alternatives, and other nutrient management products and technologies and their availability in the United States. Grant funds must be used for the purpose of increasing or otherwise expanding the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer, nutrient alternatives, and other nutrient management products and technologies and their availability in the United States. 
 
Additional information can be accessed here. 
Supreme Court Hears Sackett v. EPA
On Monday, the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The case revolves around the EPA's power to regulate bodies of water under the Clean Water Act, something that has had a direct impact on farmers and ranchers across the country. With the EPA currently in a “Phase One” rulemaking on expanded regulations regarding Waters of the United States (WOTUS), the case comes a critical junction for agricultural groups and regulators. 
 
Although open to interpretation, initial reports suggest that several of the conservative justices were skeptical on the challenge to the EPA's authority in these areas. The American Farm Bureau Federation and other ag organizations have called on the EPA to pause their rulemaking process until a decision is rendered on the Sackett case; however, the agency seemingly plans to go forth unhindered. With a decision not expected until next year, this could result in a confusing and challenging interim period depending on how the finalized rule is implemented. CAFB will continue to update members as this develops. 
Senate Ag Leadership Calls on USDA to
Expand Risk Management Tools 
Late last week, Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-KS) submitted a letter to USDA, calling on the agency to expand risk management tools for farmers across the country. As Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, their bipartisan push for expanded crop insurance programs and tools help highlight how this will likely be a key area of focus on the upcoming Farm Bill. The senators noted the "extreme volatility" in crop prices as well as rising input costs as key concerns amongst the agricultural community. They both also called on increased education efforts to raise awareness on the existing tools that some farmers may not currently utilize. 
Grants Announced for Farm and Food
Workers Grant Relief Program 
On Tuesday, the USDA announced 15 grant recipients for funding under the Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program (FFWR). Funded via an omnibus bill last year, up to $670 million will be distributed to various farming and meatpacking workers who incurred pandemic-related health and safety costs. Included in these recipients is La Cooperativa Campesina de California ($36 mil) and the UFW Foundation ($97 mil). Applicable workers will eventually be able to apply for payments of up to $600 per worker to cover previous costs for things such as PPE and COVID testing. The payments will also be available to some grocery store workers as well. More details are expected in the coming weeks, but for more information on the grants, click here. 
Federal Policy Team
Sara Arsenault
Director of Federal Policy
Matthew Viohl
Federal Policy, Associate Director
Erin Hutson
Federal Policy, Consultant