Hoeven Highlights Ag Appropriations Bill as Process Begins

Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chair John Hoeven says the Senate version of the fiscal year 2021 Ag appropriations Bill fully funds farm loan programs and supports rural innovation. The North Dakota Republican added it will also bolster future agricultural research.

Hoeven told the Hagstrom Report that, “As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, we’ve worked to put together a strong agriculture funding bill that provides our farmers and ranchers with the support they need during these challenging times.”

Among the many provisions in the bill, the legislation will maintain support for crop insurance and other farm bill programs. It will also increase funding for farm direct, guaranteed, and emergency loans to meet the expected demand.

Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Richard Shelby said he was disappointed that Republicans chose to cancel committee markups for the fiscal year 2021 bills and that the bills weren’t considered by the full Senate.

“That eliminated the chance for members to offer amendments,” Leahy says. Senate Majority Leader

Mitch McConnell said he intends to pass all appropriations bills before December 11, even though the Senate hasn’t passed a single appropriations bill yet.

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