07.27.20

Hoeven Statement on Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers in Senate HEALS Act, COVID-19 Relief Legislation

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement regarding assistance for farmers and ranchers that he worked to secure in the Senate’s HEALS Act, COVID-19 relief legislation announced today. Under the Senate proposal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would provide $34 billion in agriculture assistance.

The legislation provides $20 billion in direct funding, which combined with the $14 billion replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) secured in the original CARES Act, will provide USDA with $34 billion in funding to assist producers. Hoeven is also advancing CCC replenishment through the regular appropriations process to fund Farm Bill programs.

“This HEALS Act assistance we secured for farmers and ranchers will help to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on farm country,” said Hoeven. “Between the new direct funding and the CCC commitment, USDA will provide $34 billion to producers. At the same time, we are working through the Agriculture Appropriations Committee to ensure there is enough additional CCC authority for the regular Farm Bill programs. I am hopeful that we can pass this much-needed relief for producers in a timely way.” 

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