The following article was written by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Director of National Affairs Tyler Wenzlaff and edited by Mid-West Farm Report.
In a dramatic turn of events, Congress passed a last-minute spending bill that averts a government shutdown. The bill passed the House on a 335-91 vote and Senate by a vote of 88-9. It temporarily funds the government through Nov. 17.
After the House failed to pass its first continuing resolution on Sep. 29 that included border security measures and additional spending cuts, Republicans were joined by Democrats to pass a new, continuing resolution, H.R. 5860. This resolution funds the government without funding cuts, aid to Ukraine or the inclusion of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. The Senate followed suit later that evening. President Biden signed the bill shortly before midnight on Sep. 30, allowing Congress more time to negotiate final Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations legislation.
Below is a summary of H.R. 5860, Making Continuing Appropriations for FY24 from the American Farm Bureau Federation:
- Provides $16 billion in supplemental disaster aid for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
- Extends the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee agreements through FY28;
- Extends Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program through November 17;
- Does not contain funding reductions;
- Does not contain additional aid for Ukraine efforts; and
- Does not contain H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023.
The House may take up individual appropriations bills during the upcoming floor periods.
It’s not certain if the House can pass an Agriculture Appropriations bill or what it will include. This annual bill plays a pivotal role in funding crucial ag programs and agencies, such as the USDA. It also influences policies related to food safety, nutrition assistance programs and rural development.
One of the reasons behind the failure of the Ag Appropriations Bill is the deep political divisions in the House. In recent years, partisan gridlock has become increasingly common on Capitol Hill, making it challenging to pass crucial laws. These divisions ultimately led to its failure.
The failure underscores the challenges of navigating the complex political and budgetary landscape in Washington, D.C. The ag bill often becomes a battleground for partisan disputes. Disagreements are over funding levels and ideological differences on issues like environmental regulations and agricultural subsidies. The consequences of this setback are far-reaching, affecting farmers and consumers.
Complicating matters is the disposing of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House. The Speaker of the House plays a crucial role in the functioning of the U.S. Congress. The Speaker has significant influence over the legislative agenda and the process of passing bills, including the Ag Appropriations Act.
If there is no Speaker of the House, it can have several potential effects on Congress’s ability to pass bills. The House could have a Speaker as soon as this week but it could drag on. Until a new Speaker is elected, Congress is paralyzed.
As stakeholders continue to grapple with these challenges, it is essential for lawmakers to find common ground and prioritize the needs of the ag sector.