News

Reports indicate stimulus compromise is near, but status of ag assistance provision is unclear

Reports out of Washington indicate Democrats and Republicans are close to compromise on an economic stimulus package and that a vote could take place today.

Still to be determined is whether a provision providing assistance to ag producers will remain in the final bill. Several farm state senators are pushing for funding for another possible round of Market Facilitation Program payments, along with aid for cattle producers. However, some Democratic senators are reportedly fighting against that provision.

Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer, speaking on the Senate floor Monday, argued for the ag assistance.

“This coronavirus is adding another dimension to an already battered agriculture economy and this disease has been driving down crop and livestock prices,” Fischer said. “Therefore, I am adamant that, in this bill, we have to provide relief to address that.”