In a recent webinar hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC), Hunt Shipman, principal and director at Cornerstone Government Affairs, provided an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of agricultural law and policy in light of the new Congress and the return of President Trump to the White House. The session, titled “Looking Ahead: Impact of the 2024 Elections on Ag Law & Policy,” took place on January 15 and offered insights into the implications of the 2024 elections for the agricultural sector.
Shipman highlighted the significant changes in the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, where Arkansas Senator John Boozman has transitioned from ranking member to chairman, while Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar takes on the role of ranking member. This shift in leadership is expected to influence the direction of agricultural policy, especially as the Farm Bill, a critical piece of legislation, remains unfinished. With more than 10,000 bills introduced in the last Congress and only a fraction making it to law, the challenge of navigating legislative priorities looms large. “We have a Farm Bill that is hanging out there now,” Shipman noted, emphasizing the need for reintroducing these bills in the current Congress, which officially began on January 3.
The urgency surrounding the Farm Bill is compounded by the fact that appropriations bills from the previous year were not finalized, resulting in a continuing resolution that will last until March 14. Shipman warned that if appropriations are not completed or another continuing resolution is not enacted, the specter of a government shutdown could again threaten the agricultural community.
Looking ahead, Shipman pointed out that while the Senate will be busy confirming cabinet members, the House has already begun its committee hearings for the year. He noted that budget reconciliation is a hot topic, with discussions focused on both cutting back funding and advancing policy objectives, particularly in areas such as border security. Nutrition programs are also on the table for potential reform, which could complicate the Farm Bill discussions. “There may be concern from the ag committee about whether any reconciliation instruction they receive might make it more difficult for them to pass a Farm Bill,” Shipman stated, indicating that the interplay between these issues will require careful navigation.
The nomination of Brooke Rollins as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming legislative agenda. Rollins, who previously served in the Trump administration, is expected to undergo a Senate hearing on January 23. Alongside her, Judge Stephen Vaden has been nominated for the deputy secretary position, while Tyler Clarkson is anticipated to be named general counsel of the USDA. Shipman remarked that the confirmation process for Rollins could lead to additional nominations being announced, potentially reshaping the leadership at the USDA.
As the clock ticks down to the expiration of the most recent Farm Bill extension on September 30, the urgency for legislative action grows. Shipman reiterated Senator Boozman’s sentiment that “we need more farm in the Farm Bill,” suggesting a push for a more robust agricultural framework in the forthcoming legislation. With new Democratic leadership in key committee positions, the dynamics of the Farm Bill negotiations are poised to change, and how these leaders align with or diverge from their predecessors will be crucial in shaping agricultural policy in the near future.
The implications of these developments are significant for farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, as the legislative landscape evolves in response to both political shifts and pressing economic challenges. Stakeholders are urged to stay engaged and informed as the new Congress navigates these critical issues that will undoubtedly impact the future of agriculture in the United States. The full recording of the webinar is available for those interested in delving deeper into the topics discussed.