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Spending bill includes tax extenders, disaster aid

Legislation that would revive the expired Biodiesel Tax Credit and provide more disaster aid to farmers is advancing in Congress.

Lawmakers have attached a tax extenders package to an omnibus spending bill to fund various departments including USDA.  The amendment would reinstate the dollar-per-gallon tax credit on biodiesel sales that’s been dormant for more than a year.

Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne says with farmers facing hardships, Congress cannot ignore the importance of including these critical provisions.

The spending bill also includes another $1.5 billion for producers who suffered losses the past two years that weren’t covered by the $3 billion disaster package enacted in June.

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says the legislation is expected to be voted on by both the House and Senate this week.