American Farmers First Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/6061
Last Updated: August 4, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

ID: M001232

Follow the money

The bill

American Farmers First Act

HR. 6061, 119th Congress — read as touching Crop Producers.

The sponsor

Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The alignment

85% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Agriculture" section, p. 344-346 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Discharged

January 12, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. The "American Farmers First Act" - because nothing says "putting farmers first" like a bill that's actually about bailing out Argentina's financial markets... or not.

Let's dissect this mess. The bill prohibits using the Exchange Stabilization Fund to bail out Argentina's financial markets, but only until December 10, 2027. How convenient. That's just enough time for our politicians to pretend they're doing something meaningful before the next election cycle. And what a coincidence that the prohibition expires right after the midterm elections.

Now, let's talk about the "farmer tariff relief package." The bill allocates proceeds from the sale or termination of financial contracts to provide one-time economic assistance payments to farmers who lost export markets in 2025. How much funding are we talking about? Oh, that's not specified. Because who needs actual numbers when you're trying to buy votes with empty promises?

The real kicker is that this bill doesn't even specify how the funds will be allocated or what criteria will be used to determine which farmers receive assistance. It's like throwing a handful of cash into a room full of desperate people and hoping some of it sticks.

Notable increases or decreases? Ha! This bill is all about smoke and mirrors. The only notable increase is in the number of politicians who'll be able to claim they "supported American farmers" during their next campaign.

Riders or policy provisions attached to funding? You bet. This bill is a Trojan horse for more pork-barrel spending and special interest handouts. Just wait until we find out which lobbyists and donors are behind this "farmer-friendly" legislation.

Fiscal impact and deficit implications? Don't make me laugh. This bill will only add to our already bloated national debt, but hey, who's counting when there are votes to be bought?

In conclusion, the "American Farmers First Act" is a textbook example of legislative malpractice. It's a cynical attempt to buy votes with empty promises and vague language, all while ignoring the real issues facing American farmers. I'd give it a diagnosis of "Acute Politician-itis," characterized by symptoms of cowardice, corruption, and a complete disregard for fiscal responsibility.

Treatment? A healthy dose of skepticism, followed by a strong prescription of transparency and accountability. But don't hold your breath - this patient is terminal.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

No campaign finance data available for Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 8 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]

ID: H001085

Top Contributors

20

1
HASHEMI, MARY
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualBERWYN, PA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
2
KAFKER, ROGER
TA ASSOCIATES • PRIVATE EQUITY
IndividualWELLESLEY, MA
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
3
MORGAN, HOWARD
MFCIF LLC • VENTURE CAPITAL
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
4
KENNEY, PETER
SELF-EMPLOYED • WRITER
IndividualPHILADELPHIA, PA
$3,300
Sep 26, 2023
5
MANDEL, SUE
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualGREENWICH, CT
$3,300
Jul 23, 2023
6
KJELLERUP, PETER
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWEST GROVE, PA
$3,300
Sep 23, 2023
7
KEARNS, ANDREW
MORGAN STANLEY • INVESTMENT BANKER
IndividualHILLSBOROUGH, CA
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
8
METZ, MITCHELL
RTD FINANCIAL ADVISORS • FINANCIAL ADVISOR
IndividualPENN VALLEY, PA
$3,300
Jul 16, 2023
9
KEARNS, ANDREW
MORGAN STANLEY • INVESTMENT BANKER
IndividualHILLSBOROUGH, CA
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
10
MANDEL, STEVE
LONE PINE CAPITAL • FOUNDER
IndividualGREENWICH, CT
$3,300
Jul 20, 2023

Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4]

ID: I000058

Top Contributors

22

1
CITIZENS FOR FROSH
OrganizationBETHESDA, MD
$950
Jun 28, 2023
2
MATEYA CONSULTING LLC
OrganizationCLARKSVILLE, MD
$250
Apr 24, 2024
3
CHESLEY, WILLIAM F.
W.F. CHESLEY REAL ESTATE • PRESIDENT & CEO
IndividualCROFTON, MD
$3,300
Dec 17, 2024
4
MILLIKEN, STEPHEN
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Dec 5, 2024
5
ROWE, ROBINSON S. ESQ.
ROWE WEINSTEIN & SOHN PLLC • ATTORNEY
IndividualROCKVILLE, MD
$3,300
Oct 19, 2023
6
SANDBERG, SHERYL
NOT EMPLOYED • PHILANTHROPIST
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023
7
MILLIKEN, STEPHEN
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Oct 7, 2023
8
MICHAEL, KENNETH
NAI THE MICHAEL COMPANIES, INC. • CHAIRMAN
IndividualLANHAM, MD
$3,300
Mar 20, 2023
9
PETERS, DOUGLAS
THE PETERS GROUP • SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
IndividualBOWIE, MD
$3,300
Mar 27, 2023
10
PANITCH, IRWIN
DELOITTE TAX • ATTORNEY
IndividualPOTOMAC, MD
$3,300
Mar 6, 2023

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

ID: S001215

Top Contributors

33

1
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Nov 6, 2024
3
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
4
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI
OrganizationFULTON, MI
$3,300
Mar 6, 2024
5
POKAGON BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS
OrganizationDOWAGIAC, MI
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
6
SAGINAW CHIPPEWA INDIAN TRIBE
OrganizationMT PLEASANT, MI
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
7
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 5, 2023
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Apr 29, 2024
9
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$1,500
Oct 24, 2023
10
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$1,000
Dec 29, 2023

Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

ID: S001226

Top Contributors

34

1
COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationROSEBURG, OR
$3,300
Apr 30, 2024
2
COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationROSEBURG, OR
$3,300
Apr 30, 2024
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Aug 8, 2024
4
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF GRAND RONDE
OrganizationGRAND RONDE, OR
$2,500
Nov 5, 2024
5
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF GRAND RONDE
OrganizationGRAND RONDE, OR
$2,500
May 9, 2024
6
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationPHILADELPHIA, PA
$2,000
Jun 30, 2024
7
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 7, 2023
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Apr 30, 2024
9
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA
$1,500
May 24, 2023
10
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION GENERAL FUND
OrganizationPENDLETON, OR
$1,500
Dec 31, 2023

Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]

ID: R000622

Top Contributors

25

1
HOPE SPRINGS FARM
OrganizationROXBURY, NY
$3,300
Aug 20, 2024
2
THE PLANTSMEN NURSERY
OrganizationGROTON, NY
$500
Oct 11, 2024
3
FLOWERS BY ORZEL
OrganizationWHITNEY POINT, NY
$300
May 6, 2024
4
FLOWERS BY ORZEL
OrganizationWHITNEY POINT, NY
$300
Jun 5, 2024
5
HOPE SPRINGS FARM
OrganizationROXBURY, NY
$50
Sep 13, 2024
6
KIRK, CLAY KENAN
SELF-EMPLOYED • INVESTOR
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Sep 23, 2024
7
KIRK, GARRETT JR
SELF-EMPLOYED • INVESTOR
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Sep 23, 2024
8
TRONE, DAVID J.
IndividualPOTOMAC, MD
$6,600
Jan 21, 2024
9
LANDEGGGER, GEORGE F.
IndividualRYE BROOK, NY
$5,000
Jul 31, 2024
10
FAIVUS, HARRY
SELF-EMPLOYED • PHYSICIAN
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Oct 28, 2024

Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22]

ID: M001231

Top Contributors

22

1
POLITY GROUP LLC
OrganizationPORTLAND, OR
$2,500
Oct 28, 2024
2
LYNN D'ELIA TEMES & STANCZYK
OrganizationSYRACUSE, NY
$1,000
Mar 12, 2024
3
SLOME, IAN
SLOME CAPITAL LLC • INVESTOR
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
May 18, 2024
4
SPITZER, ELIOT
SELF-EMPLOYED • REAL ESTATE
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
May 1, 2024
5
CUTLER, RANDI
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$6,600
Jun 11, 2024
6
MCDOLE, MORGAN
CITY OF SYRACUSE • FIREFIGHTER
IndividualFAYETTEVILLE, NY
$6,600
Jun 20, 2024
7
ALBERTS, EDWARD
LITTLE LUKES • SELF-EMPLOYED
IndividualBALDWINSVILLE, NY
$6,600
Jul 13, 2023
8
STONE, JAMES M
PLYMOUTH ROCK COMPANY, INC. • EXECUTIVE
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$5,000
Oct 11, 2024
9
FAIVUS, HARRY E.
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Oct 25, 2024
10
BASCH, ELI B.
BASCH &KEEGAN LLP • ATTORNEY
IndividualKINGSTON, NY
$5,000
Oct 28, 2024

Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]

ID: M000687

Top Contributors

20

1
TABORN, TYRONE D.
IndividualREISTERSTOWN, MD
$5,000
Jul 31, 2024
2
BRONFEIN, MICHAEL
CURIO WELLNESS • CEO
IndividualOWINGS MILLS, MD
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
3
SEIBEL, MICHAEL
Y COMBINATOR • INVESTOR
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
4
JOHNSON, ROBERT
THE RLJ COMPANIES • EXECUTIVE
IndividualBETHESDA, MD
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
5
JOSEPH, MARK K.
N/A • RETIRED
IndividualBALTIMORE, MD
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
6
JOHNSON, ROBERT
THE RLJ COMPANIES • EXECUTIVE
IndividualBETHESDA, MD
$3,300
Nov 9, 2023
7
TABORN, TYRONE D.
CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP • METAVERSE CREATOR
IndividualREISTERSTOWN, MD
$3,300
Oct 31, 2023
8
FISCHER, SOLOMON
FISCHER ROOFING • ROOFER
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$3,000
Oct 7, 2024
9
TABORN, TYRONE D.
CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP • METAVERSE CREATOR
IndividualREISTERSTOWN, MD
$3,000
Jul 27, 2024
10
BEREANO, BRUCE C.
SELF-EMPLOYED • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CONSULTANT
IndividualANNAPOLIS, MD
$2,500
Oct 23, 2024

Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]

ID: P000607

Top Contributors

25

1
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY
OrganizationCRANDON, WI
$3,300
Jun 23, 2023
2
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY
OrganizationCRANDON, WI
$3,300
Jun 26, 2024
3
HO CHUNK NATION
OrganizationBLACK RIVER FALLS, WI
$3,300
Oct 16, 2024
4
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Jun 13, 2024
5
ONEIDA ONEIDA TRIBE OF INDIANS OF WISCONSI
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$1,000
Sep 30, 2024
6
MILLER, JOHN W.
ARENBERG HOLDINGS • PRINCIPAL
IndividualFOX POINT, WI
$5,800
Aug 4, 2023
7
MANOCHERIAN, GREG
SELF • REAL ESTATE
IndividualPOUND RIDGE, NY
$3,300
Oct 28, 2024
8
MANOCHERIAN, JED
SELF • REAL ESTATE
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 21, 2024
9
MANOCHERIAN, JENNIFER
SELF • WRITER
IndividualSCARSDALE, NY
$3,300
Oct 21, 2024
10
HARRINGTON, HOPE
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Mar 29, 2024

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped.

  • +Crop Producersconfidence 0.90

    Section 3(b) directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use proceeds from terminated financial contracts to make one-time economic assistance payments to producers of each crop adversely impacted by loss of export markets during the 2025 marketing year.

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Agriculture

Strong
Vector: 64%
Pages: 344-346AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill redirects existing funds to provide direct economic relief to American farmers harmed by trade disruptions, aligning with Project 2025's emphasis on prioritizing domestic agricultural support and reducing foreign financial commitments."

Key themes:farmer economic reliefdomestic agricultural supportreduction of foreign aidtrade disruption assistanceUSDA funding allocation

— 311 — Department of Agriculture ENDNOTES 1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Summary, p.1, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/ files/documents/2023-usda-budget-summary.pdf (accessed December 14, 2022). 2. See, for example, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Transforming the U.S. Food System,” https://www.usda. gov/fst (accessed December 14, 2022). 3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Summary, p.1. 4. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “USDA Celebrates 150 Years,” https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/about-usda/ history (accessed December 16, 2022). 5. The law stated, “[T]here is hereby established at the seat of government of the United States a Department of Agriculture, the general designs and duties of which shall be to acquire and to diffuse among the people of the United States useful information on subjects connected with agriculture in the most general and comprehensive sense of that word, and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people new and valuable seeds and plants.” Gladys L. Baker et al., Century of Service: The First 100 Years of the United States Department of Agriculture, (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1963) p. 13, https://babel. hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b4254098&view=1up&seq=33 (accessed December 16, 2022). 6. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Summary, p. 2. 7. Ibid., p. 2. 8. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2022–2026, p. 3, https://www.usda.gov/sites/ default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf (accessed December 14, 2022). 9. News release, “USDA Announces Framework for Shoring Up the Food Supply Chain and Transforming the Food System to Be Fairer, More Competitive, More Resilient,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, June 1, 2022, https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/06/01/usda-announces-framework-shoring-food-supply- chain-and-transforming (accessed December 14, 2022). 10. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Transforming the U.S. Food System.” 11. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2022–2026, pp. 1–2. 12. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Background on the U.S. Approach to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit,” August 4, 2021, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Background-on-US-approach-2021-UN- Food-Systems-Summit.pdf (accessed December 14, 2022). 13. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “UN Food Systems Summit,” https://www.usda.gov/oce/sustainability/un- summit (accessed December 14, 2022). 14. Mark Bittman et al., “How a National Food Policy Could Save Millions of American Lives,” The Washington Post, November 7, 2014, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-a-national-food-policy-could- save-millions-of-american-lives/2014/11/07/89c55e16-637f-11e4-836c-83bc4f26eb67_story.html (accessed December 14, 2022); Daren Bakst and Gabriella Beaumont-Smith, “No, We Don’t Need to Transform the American Food System,” The Daily Signal, February 26, 2021, https://www.dailysignal.com/2021/02/26/ no-we-dont-need-to-transform-the-american-food-system/ (accessed December 14, 2022); and Daren Bakst, “Biden’s Food Conference Should Put People First, Not Environmental Extremism,” The Daily Signal, September 22, 2022, https://www.dailysignal.com/2022/09/22/bidens-food-conference-should-put-people- first-not-environmental-extremism/ (accessed December 14, 2022). 15. News release, “USDA to Invest Up to $300 Million in New Organic Transition Initiative,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, August 22, 2022, https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/08/22/usda-invest-300- million-new-organic-transition-initiative (accessed December 14, 2022). 16. Gary Baise, “Sri Lanka’s Green New Deal Was a Disaster,” Farm Futures, November 14, 2022, https://www. farmprogress.com/commentary/sri-lankas-green-new-deal-was-disaster (accessed December 16, 2022). 17. See, for example, Catherine Greene et al., “Growing Organic Demand Provides High-Value Opportunities for Many Types of Producers,” Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, February 6, 2017, https://www. ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2017/januaryfebruary/growing-organic-demand-provides-high-value-opportunities- for-many-types-of-producers/#:~:text=ERS%20research%20shows%20that%20many,flavor%20desired%20 by%20the%20consumer (accessed December 14, 2022), and Andrea Carlson, “Investigating Retail Price Premiums for Organic Foods,” Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, May 24, 2016, https://www.ers. usda.gov/amber-waves/2016/may/investigating-retail-price-premiums-for-organic-foods/ (accessed December 16, 2022). Further, there are many myths, such as those regarding the alleged health benefit of organic food. One — 312 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise meta study found that “[t]he published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods.” Crystal Smith-Spangler et al., “Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than Conventional Alternatives,” Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 157, No. 5 (September 4, 2012), pp. 348–366, https:// www.acpjournals.org/doi/epdf/10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007 (accessed December 16, 2022). 18. Steve Savage, “USDA Data Confirm Organic Yields Significantly Lower Than With Conventional Farming,” Genetic Literacy Project, February 16, 2018, https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/02/16/usda-data-confirm- organic-yields-dramatically-lower-conventional-farming/ (accessed December 16, 2022). 19. See, for example, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Notice: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Program, Request for Comments,” USDA–2021–0010, October 21, 2021, https://www.regulations. gov/document/USDA-2021-0010-0001 (accessed December 16, 2022). 20. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Public Law 117–169. 21. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, “Productivity Growth in U.S. Agriculture (1948–2019),” https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/agricultural-productivity-in-the-u-s/productivity- growth-in-u-s-agriculture-1948-2019/ (accessed December 14, 2022). 22. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, “Total Food Budget Share Increased from 9.4 Percent of Disposable Income to 10.3 Percent in 2021,” July 15, 2022, https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=76967 (accessed December 14, 2022). 23. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Quintiles of Income Before Taxes: Annual Expenditure Means, Shares, and Standard Errors, and Coefficients of Variation, Consumer Expenditure Surveys,” 2021, Table 1101, https://www.bls.gov/cex/tables/calendar-year/mean-item-share-average-standard-error/cu- income-quintiles-before-taxes-2021.pdf (accessed December 16, 2022), and Daren Bakst and Patrick Tyrrell, “Big Government Policies That Hurt the Poor and How to Address Them,” Heritage Foundation Special Report No.176, April 5, 2017, p. 7, https://www.heritage.org/sites/default/files/2017-04/SR176.pdf. 24. Daren Bakst and Joshua Sewell, “Congress Should Stop Abrogating Its Spending Power and Rein in the USDA Slush Fund,” Heritage Foundation Issue Brief No. 6052, February 19, 2021, p. 2, https://www.heritage.org/ budget-and-spending/report/congress-should-stop-abrogating-its-spending-power-and-rein-the-usda. 25. Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act of 1948, Public Law 80–806. 26. Bakst and Sewall, “Congress Should Stop Abrogating Its Spending Power.” 27. Ibid., p. 3. 28. Daren Bakst, “Comment from Bakst, Darren” on “Notice: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Program, Request for Comments,” USDA–2021–0010, October 21, 2021,” November 1, 2021, https://www. regulations.gov/document/USDA-2021-0010-0001/comment?filter=bakst (accessed December 16, 2022). 29. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Notice: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Program.” 30. Megan Stubbs, “The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC),” Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, updated January 14, 2021, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R44606 (accessed December 16, 2022). 31. “Overall, 34 percent of all farms reported receiving some type of Government payment in 2021,” and “[o]verall, 14 percent of U.S. farms participated in Federal crop insurance programs.” Christine Whitt, Noah Miller, and Ryan Olver, “America’s Farms and Ranches at a Glance: 2022 Edition,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, pp. 24 and 26, https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/105388/eib-247. pdf?v=527.4 (accessed March 18, 2023). This data, which apparently does not cover crop insurance, included payments beyond just commodity payments, such as conservation payments. 32. Randy Schnepf, “Farm Safety-Net Payments Under the 2014 Farm Bill: Comparison by Program Crop,” Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, August 11, 2017, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44914.pdf (accessed December 14, 2022). 33. Although livestock and specialty crop producers do receive some subsidies, former American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman captured the subsidy issue well. He “dismisse[d] outright the claim that farmers couldn’t survive without subsidy money. ‘Why does the livestock industry survive without subsidies?’ he ask[ed]. ‘Why does the specialty crop [fruit and vegetable] industry survive?’” Tamar Haspel, “Why Do Taxpayers Subsidize Rich Farmers?” The Washington Post, March 15, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost. com/lifestyle/food/why-do-taxpayers-subsidize-rich-farmers/2018/03/15/50e89906-27b6-11e8-b79d- f3d931db7f68_story.html (accessed March 18, 2023).

Department of Agriculture

Moderate
Vector: 64%
Pages: 329-331AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill aligns with Project 2025's goal of providing targeted economic relief to farmers affected by market disruptions, though it does not address the specific subsidy reforms or structural changes advocated in the policy document."

Key themes:farmer economic relieftrade disruption supportDepartment of Agriculture funding

— 297 — Department of Agriculture losses, which is another way of saying minor dips in expected revenue. This is hardly consistent with the concept of providing a safety net to help farmers when they fall on hard times. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in one of its options to reduce the federal deficit, has once again identified repealing all Title I farm programs, including ARC, PLC, and the federal sugar program.46 l Stop paying farmers twice for price and revenue losses during the same year. Farmers can receive support from the ARC or PLC programs and the federal crop insurance program to cover price declines and revenue shortfalls during the same year. Congress should prohibit this duplication by prohibiting farmers from receiving an ARC or PLC payment the same year they receive a crop insurance indemnity. l Reduce the premium subsidy rate for crop insurance. On average, taxpayers cover about 60 percent47 of the premium cost for policies purchased in the federal crop insurance program. One of the most widely supported and bipartisan policy reforms is to reduce the premium subsidy that taxpayers are forced to pay.48 At a minimum, taxpayers should not pay more than 50 percent of the premium. After all, taxpayers should not have to pay more than the farmers who benefit from the crop insurance policies. CBO has found that reducing the premium subsidy to 47 percent would save $8.1 billion over 10 years and have little impact on crop insurance participation or on the number of covered acres.49 In that analysis, there would be a reduction in insured acres of just one-half of 1 percent, and only 1.5 percent of acres would have lower coverage levels. 50 This reform is basically all benefit with little to no cost. In its recently released report identifying options to reduce the federal deficit, CBO found that reducing the premium subsidy to 40 percent would save $20.9 billion over 10 years.51 Beyond these legislative reforms, the next Administration should: l Communicate to Congress the necessity of transparency and a genuine reform process. The White House and the USDA should make it very clear that the farm bill process, including reform of farm subsidies, must be con- ducted through an open process with time for mark-up and the opportunity for changes to be made outside the Agriculture Committee process. The farm bill too often is developed behind closed doors and without any chance for real reform. The White House, given the power of the bully pulpit, — 298 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise must demand a genuine reform process and express unwavering support for a USDA that shapes a safety net that considers the interests of farmers, while also remembering the interests of taxpayers and consumers. Any safety net for farmers should be a true safety net—one that helps farmers when they have experienced serious unforeseen losses (preferably when there has been a disaster or unforeseen natural event causing damage) and that exists to help them in unusual situations. l Separate the agricultural provisions of the farm bill from the nutrition provisions. To have genuine reform and proper consideration of the issues, agricultural programs should be considered in separate legislation distinct from food stamps and the nutrition part of the farm bill, and reauthorization of such programs should be fixed on different timelines to ensure this separation. Agricultural and nutritional programs, which are distinct from each other, have been combined together for political reasons, something which is readily admitted by proponents of this logrolling. When it comes to American agriculture and welfare programs, they deserve sound policy debates, not political tactics at the expense of thoughtful discourse. Move the Work of the Food and Nutrition Service. The USDA implements many means-tested federal support programs, including the largest food assis- tance program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Food Program. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees these programs and other food and nutrition programs, including the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion,52 which handles the USDA’s work on the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” (Dietary Guidelines).53 Food nutrition programs include: SNAP; WIC; the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); the School Breakfast Program (SBP); the Child and Adult Care Food Program; the Nutrition Program for the Elderly; Nutrition Service Incentives; the Summer Food Service Program; the Commodity Supplemental Food Program; the Temporary Emergency Food Program; the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program; and the Spe- cial Milk Program. The next Administration should: l Move the USDA food and nutrition programs to the Department of Health and Human Services. There are more than 89 current means- tested welfare programs, and total means-tested spending has been estimated to surpass $1.2 trillion between federal and state resources.54 Because means-tested federal programs are siloed and administered in separate agencies, the effectiveness and size of the welfare state remains

Department of Agriculture

Weak
Vector: 63%
Pages: 329-331AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill redirects existing funds to provide one-time relief payments to farmers harmed by trade disruptions, while Project 2025’s Agriculture section calls for reducing and reforming farm subsidy programs (e.g., repealing sugar, ARC/PLC, cutting crop‑insurance subsidies). Both address farmer support via the Department of Agriculture, but their policy directions are opposed."

Key themes:Department of Agriculturefarm subsidiesfarmer assistancetrade disruption

— 296 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise support went to just six commodities—corn, cotton, peanuts, rice, soybeans, and wheat—that together account for only 28 percent of farm receipts.32 Although many farmers do not receive much in the way of subsidies, especially those in the areas of livestock and specialty crops (fruit, vegetable, and nuts),33 there are still a sig- nificant number of farmers growing row crops like corn and cotton that do receive significant farm subsidies. The primary subsidy programs include the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program,34 the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program,35 and the federal crop insur- ance program.36 Farmers can participate on a crop-by-crop basis in the ARC program or the PLC program. These programs cover about 20 different crops.37 The ARC program protects farmers from what are referred to as “shallow” losses, pro- viding payments when their actual revenues fall below 86 percent of the expected revenues for their crops.38 The PLC program provides payments to farmers when commodity prices fall below a fixed, statutorily established reference price.39 The federal crop insurance program is broader in scope than ARC and PLC, and in crop year 2019 covered 124 commodities.40 Farmers pay a portion of a premium to participate in the program. Taxpayers on average pay about 60 per- cent41 of the premium. As explained by CRS, “Revenue Protection was the most frequently purchased policy type in 2019, accounting for almost 70 [percent] of policies purchased.”42 While there are certainly other subsidy programs besides ARC, PLC, and federal crop insurance, one program that deserves special mention is the federal sugar program. This program, unlike most other subsidy programs, intentionally tries to restrict supply43 and thereby drives up prices. The program costs consumers as much as $3.7 billion a year.44 When it comes to reforming subsidy programs, the next Administration will primarily have to look to legislative solutions. The next Administration should champion legislation that would: l Repeal the federal sugar program. The federal government should not be in the central planning business, and the sugar program is a prime example of harmful central planning. Its very purpose is to limit the sugar supply in order to increase prices. The program has a regressive effect, since lower-income households spend more of their money to meet food needs compared to higher income households.45 l Ideally, repeal the ARC and PLC programs. Farmers eligible to participate in ARC or PLC are generally already able to purchase federal crop insurance, policies that protect against shortfalls in expected revenue whether caused by lower prices or smaller harvests. The ARC program is especially egregious because farmers are being protected from shallow — 297 — Department of Agriculture losses, which is another way of saying minor dips in expected revenue. This is hardly consistent with the concept of providing a safety net to help farmers when they fall on hard times. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in one of its options to reduce the federal deficit, has once again identified repealing all Title I farm programs, including ARC, PLC, and the federal sugar program.46 l Stop paying farmers twice for price and revenue losses during the same year. Farmers can receive support from the ARC or PLC programs and the federal crop insurance program to cover price declines and revenue shortfalls during the same year. Congress should prohibit this duplication by prohibiting farmers from receiving an ARC or PLC payment the same year they receive a crop insurance indemnity. l Reduce the premium subsidy rate for crop insurance. On average, taxpayers cover about 60 percent47 of the premium cost for policies purchased in the federal crop insurance program. One of the most widely supported and bipartisan policy reforms is to reduce the premium subsidy that taxpayers are forced to pay.48 At a minimum, taxpayers should not pay more than 50 percent of the premium. After all, taxpayers should not have to pay more than the farmers who benefit from the crop insurance policies. CBO has found that reducing the premium subsidy to 47 percent would save $8.1 billion over 10 years and have little impact on crop insurance participation or on the number of covered acres.49 In that analysis, there would be a reduction in insured acres of just one-half of 1 percent, and only 1.5 percent of acres would have lower coverage levels. 50 This reform is basically all benefit with little to no cost. In its recently released report identifying options to reduce the federal deficit, CBO found that reducing the premium subsidy to 40 percent would save $20.9 billion over 10 years.51 Beyond these legislative reforms, the next Administration should: l Communicate to Congress the necessity of transparency and a genuine reform process. The White House and the USDA should make it very clear that the farm bill process, including reform of farm subsidies, must be con- ducted through an open process with time for mark-up and the opportunity for changes to be made outside the Agriculture Committee process. The farm bill too often is developed behind closed doors and without any chance for real reform. The White House, given the power of the bully pulpit,

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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