January 25, 2024

Stop-Gap Funding Bill Keeps Federal Government Running

Late last week, Congress managed to pass a short-term federal funding extension, averting a partial government shutdown. President Joe Biden quickly signed the bill once the House approved it in a 314-108 vote. The House Freedom Caucus rallied opposition to the bill in the lower chamber, which had to be passed under suspended rules given their very limited time to avert a Friday-night shutdown. The new measure pushes back two funding deadlines for Congress. The first is now March 1^st, which will include USDA and funding for several other agencies, while March 8^th will be the new deadline for the remaining agencies.

In addition, a border deal tied to Ukraine aid continues to be ironed out in the Senate. It is not expected to include any significant agricultural related components, but border security continues to be an issue receiving substantial attention lately, particularly given the latest developments in Texas. Also, former President Donald Trump has reportedly pushed Republicans to avoid making any deal on border security, which has complicated Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plans to get one done in the coming weeks.

USDA Launches Pilot to Help More Processors Access High-Value Beef Grading

Last Friday, USDA Secretary Vilsack announced the new pilot program during a panelist discussion with livestock producers. The Remote Grading Pilot for Beef is aimed at enhancing market access for cattle producers and meat processors through the USDA’s official beef quality grading and certification. Developed by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the program utilizes technology to enable remote assessment of beef carcass characteristics, reducing costs and barriers to participation in voluntary grading services. The announcement made at the National Western Stock Show in Denver includes plans to expand testing with diverse beef packers and gather additional information to formalize the service as part of the USDA Quality Grading Service. The Remote Grading Pilot for Beef is limited to domestic beef slaughter facilities under federal inspection, and more information about the program can be found at the link below.

USDA Announces $207 Million Investment in Renewable Energy and Fertilizer Projects

Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced a $207 million investment in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The funding, sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to lower energy, bills, generate income, create jobs, and enhance competition for U.S. Farmers ranchers, and ag producers. The projects, distributed across 42 states, fall under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP). REAP awards, totaling $157 million, support 675 projects, with an emphasis on benefiting disadvantaged communities. FPEP investments of $50 million are allocated to seven projects in seven states, promoting independent domestic fertilizer production.

Matthew Viohl

Federal Policy, Director

Erin Huston

Federal Policy, Consultant

Isabella Quinonez

Public Policy Coordinator