Nearly avoiding a government shutdown, both chambers of Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) spending bill on December 20, 2024. The American Relief Act of 2025 keeps the government funded through March 14, 2025, and includes:
- $100 billion in overall disaster relief, $21 billion of which is specifically earmarked for ag losses from hurricanes, wildfires, and other weather events
- $10 billion in direct market relief payments for farmers of covered commodities
- An extension of the 2018 farm bill until September 30, 2025
The bill passed the House with a 366-34 vote and the Senate with an 85-11 vote, following a week of extensive negotiating and multiple attempts to keep the government open. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law.
“2024 has been a rough year for many farmers across our state and nation,” said TFBF president Eric Mayberry. “Because of the bipartisan support from Congress, Tennessee farmers who have been struggling with inflationary pressures, economic downturn, and extreme weather will receive much-needed relief. We commend Congress for not backing down on the importance of securing aid for farmers and a stable food supply for all American citizens.”
“For many farmers, the disaster relief provided through the CR will be the difference between planting for another year or going out of business,” said AFBF president Zippy Duvall. “The economic and disaster assistance in the CR is a temporary fix to long-term challenges facing America’s farmers. The farm bill extension also offers a short reprieve, and gives lawmakers some breathing room to pass a modernized farm bill that will provide risk management support. We urge Congress to build on the bipartisan efforts demonstrated during the CR to pass a new five-year farm bill that delivers certainty for rural America and ensures a stable food supply for the nation.”
After an overwhelming response from the entire agricultural community, Congress didn’t lose sight of the importance of disaster relief, economic aid, and a farm bill extension. By sending action alerts and contacting your members of Congress, YOU are the reason these requests survived multiple rounds of negotiations and were ultimately included in the final package.
