Senators Advocate for Boost in Disaster Aid Amid Farmer Struggles

Democrats propose $10 billion in economic aid for struggling farmers while Republicans call for $15 billion, highlighting deep partisan divides over how to fund agricultural assistance during an extended farm bill debate.

Quick Takes

Democratic Senators proposed $10 billion in economic relief for farmers facing lower commodity prices as part of an extension to the expired 2018 farm law.
Senior farm-state Republicans suggested a larger $15 billion aid package, but House GOP leaders oppose the Democrats’ funding method of reallocating climate funds.
Fifteen Democratic Senators signed a letter urging timely disaster assistance delivery before spring planting season.
Texas would receive the largest share of the proposed aid, followed by Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly stated that a farm bill extension should not include economic aid.

Democrats and Republicans Clash Over Farmer Aid Package

A group of Democratic senators is pushing for $10 billion in economic aid for farmers struggling with lower commodity prices and disaster impacts. The aid would be included in an extension of the 2018 farm law, which expired in September 2023. The proposal aims to provide relief before spring planting begins, with nearly $8.8 billion allocated for major row crop growers and over $1 billion for crop insurance reimbursements. Democrats suggest funding this initiative by reallocating climate funds into USDA conservation programs, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from House Republicans.

The National Farmers Union has emphasized the urgency of providing assistance, especially with Congress unable to pass a renewed five-year farm bill before year’s end. Under the proposed distribution, Texas would receive the largest share of aid, followed by Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota. This distribution reflects the economic challenges facing farmers in these regions, where market instability and environmental challenges have created significant financial pressure.

Good news for economically hard pressed farmers, after the largest drop in history of net farm income under the Biden Administration, the Emergency Relief Funds approved by Congress, will be released before March 21. https://t.co/EYSi4mnzIJ

— James Zeeb (@LakeRaymond) March 3, 2025

Republicans Push for Larger Package with Different Funding

Republican Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and John Boozman have advocated for an even larger financial aid package for farmers experiencing market losses, suggesting a $15 billion allocation instead of the Democrats’ proposed $10 billion. However, the funding mechanism has become a significant point of contention. Hard-line House Republicans strongly oppose shifting climate funds to the USDA, preferring instead to rescind funding from the 2022 climate, healthcare, and tax law passed under Democratic leadership.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has reportedly taken a firm stance against including economic aid in any extension of the farm bill. This position further complicates the political landscape surrounding agricultural assistance and jeopardizes the timely delivery of needed relief. The aid proposal comes amid a leadership race for the Democratic leader on the Agriculture Committee, adding another layer of political complexity to the situation.

Fifteen Democratic Senators Press for Quick Implementation

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Raphael Warnock, along with 13 other Democratic Senators, recently sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, pressing for timely disaster assistance to all farmers. The letter emphasizes the critical timing as farmers are currently making decisions about fertilizer usage, crop mix, and securing financing for the upcoming growing season. Without prompt assistance, many farmers may be forced to reduce plantings or liquidate assets to remain in business.

The Democratic Senators are urging the USDA to engage with impacted farmers and simplify the aid process by leveraging existing loss data and pre-filling applications. They note that specialty crop producers have already received initial payments under the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program, and are pushing for additional payments before the growing season begins.