News
Stimulus package includes aid for farmers
The massive economic stimulus package being discussed in the Senate includes funding for another round of Market Facilitation Program payments, along with aid for cattle producers.
That’s according to North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee. He is leading the effort to recharge USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation spending authority and increase its limit from 30 billion billion to 50 billion dollars.
Hoeven said the legislation would enable USDA to utilize CCC funding to assist cattle producers whose markets have fallen sharply in recent weeks. Hoeven said he will continue working with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to provide relief to impacted producers and ranchers “in a way that works”.
The stimulus bill stalled Sunday evening when a procedural vote failed 47-47. Sixty votes are needed to advance the measure. According to various media reports, both sides are trying to iron out differences and another vote may take place today.
