Pressure Mounts in Washington

As the government shutdown continues, political pressure is mounting on Capitol Hill. Washington analyst Jim Wiesemeyer expects lawmakers to reach an agreement before the end of the month and possibly as soon as this week. “Eventually, we always get a break as the pressure builds, and the pressure is starting to build,” said Wiesemeyer. “The issue, really the only issue, is the Democrats’ insistence on the Obamacare health benefits, something the Republicans just do not want.” Compromise may happen as the November 1st enrollment date approaches. Wiesemeyer says the shutdown is already affecting the farm sector, delaying key programs and payments. “It is impacting a lot of things now in the farm sector, farm program payments, the 2024 ARC and PLC payments, and the $1.8 billion in payments for the Conservation Reserve Program,” he said. “The implementation and details on the coming trade-related farmer aid package, anywhere from $12 to $15 billion, are delayed until the U.S. government reopens.”