December 22, 2025

Lawmakers Propose Additional Aid for Farmers

Leaders of the House Agriculture Committee say Congress may need to step in with at least $10 billion in additional aid for U.S. farmers, beyond the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program recently announced by the Trump administration. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., said the administration’s program, while helpful, does not go far enough to support all sectors of agriculture. The current package is largely aimed at row crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat, with about $1 billion set aside for other commodities. Thompson said industries including dairy, timber and specialty crops may require further assistance to help producers secure credit and remain viable into 2026. He emphasized that any supplemental aid should stabilize farms without replacing market forces. Meanwhile, USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce said budget constraints make a second aid package from the agency unlikely, leaving Congress as the primary option for more support. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders said they are waiting to see how far the current funds go before committing to a specific amount of additional aid.

***********************************************************************************

Rollins, Chavez-DeRemer Pledge New Strategies to Reduce Welfare

Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at helping low-income Americans connect with education, training and long-term employment. The agreement formalizes cooperation between the Agriculture Department and the Labor Department to better align workforce programs, particularly for people receiving public assistance such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Officials said the partnership is designed to reduce reliance on government aid while strengthening the nation’s labor force. Rollins said the collaboration will expand access to career and technical education and improve pathways to steady work, aligning with the administration’s push to require work, training or volunteer activity for work-capable individuals receiving benefits. She said the effort reflects a broader goal of moving people “from the sidelines to the workforce.” Chavez-DeRemer said the Labor Department is focused on connecting Americans with “sustainable jobs” and promoting self-sufficiency. She described the agreement as a way to streamline services and better serve workers seeking opportunity.

***********************************************************************************

Federal Judge Orders USDA to Extend SNAP Food Aid Deadline

A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must give states more time to implement new restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits tied to immigration status. U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai on Monday granted an injunction extending the compliance deadline from Nov. 1 to April 9, finding that the USDA’s guidance had created confusion and potential financial strain for state governments. The lawsuit was brought by 21 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, which argued that USDA instructions improperly excluded lawful permanent residents, including asylees and refugees, from eligibility. The USDA had maintained that the original grace period had expired and any misunderstanding was due to misinterpretation by states. Kasubhai disagreed, saying the approach was inconsistent with legal precedent and likely to cause harm. The new restrictions stem from a law signed this year that tightens SNAP eligibility based on immigration criteria. 

***********************************************************************************

Illinois Agriculture Chief Says Trade Policies Hurt Farmers

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II is criticizing current federal trade policy and aid for farmers, saying it falls short amid ongoing tariff-related market disruptions. Costello said the recently announced $12 billion “Farmer Bridge Assistance Program” is insufficient compared with a $23.1 billion package offered in response to trade disputes during the previous administration. “Tariffs are crushing farmers again,” Costello said, noting that steep tariffs on exported soybeans and other commodities have shrunk overseas markets and depressed prices. He also pointed to rising input costs tied to tariffs on fertilizer, machinery and other farm goods. Under the USDA program, about $11 billion is earmarked for row crop producers, with the remaining $1 billion for other commodities. Payments are based on acreage and estimated costs. Costello warned that long-term financial pressure could drive younger farmers out of the industry and undermine future agricultural production in Illinois.

**********************************************************************************
SNAP Purchase Limits Approved for 2026

USDA has approved stricter limits on what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients can buy, with changes set to take effect in 2026 in multiple states. Under the waivers, states can redefine “food for purchase” to exclude items such as candy, soda, energy drinks and other products deemed unhealthy. Six states — including Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia — received USDA approval this week, joining others that have already adopted similar rules under the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Federal officials, including Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, say the changes aim to align SNAP with nutritional goals and reduce diet-related chronic illnesses. Implementation details will vary by state, with some plans already targeting specific categories like sugary beverages. The effort has sparked debate among advocates and critics over the balance between nutritional policy and food access for low-income households.

***********************************************************************************

First-Ever Bark Beetle Intercepted at Detroit Airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists have intercepted a species of bark beetle never before found at a U.S. port of entry, highlighting ongoing threats to American crops and forests. The tiny insect, identified as Ctonoxylon spinifer Eggers, was discovered in a piece of dried bark a passenger carried through Detroit Metropolitan Airport en route to Texas. The bark and beetle were seized during a routine inspection in February and confirmed by USDA officials in October. Experts say the Afrotropical beetle tunnels within bark layers, a behavior that can make it a potential threat to trees such as figs and olives, important in some U.S. agricultural regions. “This first-time bark beetle interception is significant because many species are tree-destroying pests,” said Port Director Fadia Pastilong, noting the find underscores the importance of vigilant inspections. The passenger, who declared the bark, was released after the material was confiscated. Authorities continue to monitor for invasive species at entry points nationwide.

**********************************************************************************