As Congress returns from the Easter recess, uncertainty remains about whether farmers will see relief through the budget reconciliation process. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says current discussions do not point to farm aid being included in the package. “Well, I think, I think without a doubt that reconciliation won’t have a farm aid in it. I’m hopeful immediately after the budget that we do a farm and a national security package, which would include E-15.” Grassley says the focus is on replenishing military resources, pushing agricultural priorities to separate legislation. “And the fact that we’ve shot up our war material to such a great extent that we have to get that replenished so that we have a strong national defense. And we think there’s plenty of other opportunities to get E-15.” Lawmakers are expected to revisit farm aid and year-round E15 in future bills.
