Articles tagged under: Congress

U.S. Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion COVID-Relief Bill

Published March 8, 2021

On Saturday, the U.S. Senate passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on a party-line vote. No Republicans voted for the bill. This latest round of COVID relief includes $1,400 in direct payments to Americans and more funding to states.…

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Peterson Reflects on 30 Years of Serving Minnesota Agriculture

Published January 19, 2021

In his 30 years in Congress, former House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson was known for working across the aisle. At times, that meant compromise was necessary. "I had to eat some things I didn't want to eat," says Peterson.…

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Infrastructure May Be a Priority for New Congress

Published January 3, 2021

Michael Torrey Associates ag lobbyist Mike Torrey says infrastructure may be a consideration for this new Congress, but the cost remains a challenge. "The easiest way to pay for infrastructure would be a gas tax, not that I'm advocating for…

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#6 Story of 2020: The End of an Era in Minnesota’s CD-7

Published December 30, 2020

After 30 years in Congress, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson lost his bid for reelection and that is the Number Six story in RRFN's recap of the top stories of 2020. Republican challenger Michelle Fischbach defeated Peterson 54 percent-to-40…

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Latest COVID Relief Package Brings Benefits for Cattle Producers

Published December 22, 2020

The newly passed COVID-19 relief package includes $1.4 billion in additional assistance for cattle producers who sold into a depressed market after April 15. The payment will be for cattle inventory from CFAP 1.0 and not require a new sign-up…

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Grain Inspection Bill Advances

Published November 17, 2020

The Senate has passed the Grain Standards Reauthorization Act. During a time of trade instability, Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow said it is important to preserve the integrity of the grain inspection system. The bill still needs to…

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Government Funding a Focus as Lame Duck Session Begins

Published November 16, 2020

An omnibus spending package will be the focus as lawmakers return to Washington D.C. for the lame duck session. Twelve appropriations bills need approval by December 11 to keep the government funded through the 2021 fiscal year. Senate Agriculture Appropriations…

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The Selection Process for House Ag Committee Leadership

Published November 10, 2020

A leadership change is coming for the House Agriculture Committee in 2021. Seniority plays a role in selecting leadership, but that’s not the only factor considered. Combest, Sell and Associates managing partner Tom Sell says the process also varies by…

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CR Includes Funding for CCC

Published September 23, 2020

On a 359-to-57 vote, the House passed a continuing resolution Tuesday evening that keeps the government funded through December 11. The bill does include $21 billion for the Commodity Credit Corporation and $8 billion in nutrition assistance which was left…

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Lawmakers Start to Return to D.C. This Week

Published September 7, 2020

Lawmakers start to return to Washington D.C. after Labor Day. One item on the agenda is restarting earlier failed talks on another coronavirus relief package. Crops, livestock and biofuel producers are still trying to recover from billions of dollars in losses.…

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