By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The U.S. House approved a budget framework Thursday, July 23, that would allow lawmakers to move forward with a third budget reconciliation package with $12 billion included for agricultural assistance.

The resolution passed 216-214 and outlines up to $95 billion in spending across several House committees.

The proposal includes $73 billion for defense and intelligence funding related to the conflict with Iran, $12 billion for agricultural assistance and $10 billion for election-related initiatives.

The House action recognizes the financial challenges facing agriculture, according to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall.

“We applaud members of the House of Representatives for recognizing the economic toll facing farm country and advancing farm aid as part of their reconciliation package,” Duvall said. “High production costs and weak commodity prices are expected to drive billions in losses across row crops in 2027, with additional losses facing specialty crop, alfalfa and sugar producers.”

AFBF recently urged Congress to provide additional economic assistance as farm income continues to lag while production expenses remain high. In a letter sent to congressional leaders earlier this month, the organization outlined projected losses for 2027 across several commodities.

Duvall said the organization will continue working with lawmakers as the measure moves through Congress.

“Our attention now turns to the Senate where we hope to not only pass the market relief but also work in a bipartisan fashion to advance other critical priorities for agriculture this Congress including a reauthorized farm bill and year-round E-15,” Duvall said.

The House action marks the first step in what is expected to be a lengthy reconciliation process. Once both chambers agree on a budget framework, the committees named in the resolution will draft legislative language before Congress considers a final reconciliation package.