Relief package possible
Thursday, December 10, 2020
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This story appeared in the Edge December newsletter. Click here to view the digital version of the newsletter.
Written by Aaron Stauffacher, associate director of government affairs
With the election in the rearview mirror, the current slate of lawmakers still has work to do before the next Congress takes over on Jan. 3 and new administration on Jan. 20.
First up on the docket is funding the government for fiscal year 2021 through next Sept. 30. Prior to the election, Congress passed a continuing resolution in September to keep the federal government funded until Dec. 11. However, if lawmakers are unable to reach and pass a deal that President Trump will sign, the government faces a shutdown.
The House of Representatives already got the ball rolling by passing most of its appropriations bills this past summer. The Senate waited until after the election to introduce its spending package. The topline spending level remains a major difference between Democratic and Republican leaders, and then funding levels for the different agencies will need to be hashed out. It appears funding for agricultural programs will not be a major point of contention in the negotiations.
In addition to government funding, discussions on another coronavirus stimulus package remains a possibility before the end of the year. Congressional party leaders and the White House continue to be far apart on how much the next package needs to be. Democratic House leaders are stressing the need for an additional $2.2 trillion in funding, while Senate Republicans are steadfast at $500 billion.
One looming question is whether, and if so, a coronavirus package will be intertwined with the appropriations process. Some speculate that the two could become one in the same as an avenue to get both items accomplished in the lame-duck session.
Looking forward to the 117th Congress, new faces will be leading the agriculture committees in both chambers. Three out of the four top committee positions were left open by the retirements of Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. Mike Conway, R-Texas, and the election defeat of Rep. Colin Peterson, D-Minn.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture is expected to be chaired by Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., with ranking member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., remaining in her role. On the House side, Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., is taking the gavel as committee chairman and Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., will be the ranking member.
Even though the farm bill does not expire until 2023, committee leaders have indicated they will be hitting the ground running early in the next Congress by holding hearings. They will debate a wide assortment of proposals and evaluating coronavirus’ impact on agriculture.
From climate-oriented legislative proposals to expanding our market access through trade, there will be no shortage of issues to keep track of next session with coronavirus-related matters lingering in the background. The Edge team is already monitoring and engaging numerous policy and legislative discussions as we enter 2021. We encourage you to stay informed and engage when able to do so. Advocacy will no doubt look and feel much different than in previous years, however it is important as ever.
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