USDA Transfers $13B into ‘Slush Fund’ for Future Tariff Relief

USDA recently transferred $13 billion from its Commodity Credit Corporation into a new “Farmers Support Program” fund tied to tariff relief; a move that has drawn scrutiny because lawmakers were not informed.

Government Executive reported the CCC is a long-standing account that supports core farm programs such as conservation payments, dairy margins and price support.  Because the funds were shifted without notifying Congress, some critical programs are facing shortfalls.

About $3 billion of the transferred money was later clawed back to resume operations of certain USDA services and reopen agency offices during a government shutdown.  But roughly $10 billion remains in the Office of the Secretary, unused pending activation of the tariff relief program.

Washington senator Patty Murray, a top appropriations member, criticized the move as undermining key farm programs and centralizing funds without oversight.

“Forcing kids and seniors to starve and ripping the rug out from farmers is no way to run the government, but it’s precisely how President Trump is doing it,” Murray said.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com