AFBF Feels Farmers Will Get Assistance By Year’s End

American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Government Affairs RJ Layher said he is confident lawmakers will approve some form of farm disaster aid before the 118th Congress adjourns in December.  Layher added lawmakers recognize the need for both economic and natural disaster help in farm country, and the need for sooner rather than later.

“We are working diligently with leaders on both House and Senate sides here in Washington, and I think our prospects look pretty good at some sort of assistance,” he noted.

The question is what kind of help lawmakers will agree on, whether that comes in the form of economic or natural disaster.  But Layher said he is confident that farmers will have some relief by the end of the year.

President Biden asked Congress for $98 billion, but mostly for hurricane victims and infrastructure needs, not low crop prices.  Farmers already face the continued lack of a new Farm Bill with its updated crop supports, making last-minute disaster aid even more important. 

“It’s very possible this could get looped into an end-of-year must-pass legislation and could get tacked into a continuing resolution," Layher said.  "At the end of the day, like I said earlier, there’s a definite need.”

Especially given another likely farm bill extension, and as President-elect Trump’s pick for Ag Secretary, former White House policy adviser Brooke Rollins vies for Senate confirmation next year.

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