Amid Attempts to Block Aid, Underwood Successful in Ensuring Support Promised to Illinois Farmers is Included in Government Funding Package
WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today issued the following statement on the inclusion of support for farmers through the Market Facilitation Program in the House proposal to fund the government through November 21, 2019. It was first reported on Thursday by the Washington Post that the program was under threat. Since then, Rep. Underwood has been working hard to ensure Illinois farmers get the trade assistance they have been counting on.
"Between the unsustainable trade war and extraordinarily tough weather conditions, the agriculture community in Illinois has been struggling to stay afloat amid unprecedented uncertainty. We cannot add to that uncertainty by stripping the assistance farmers have planned for and are depending on. Let me be clear: farmers in our community didn't ask for this aid, they want access to fair Chinese and global markets to sell their products, but until then, I'm glad Congress stepped up to support the agriculture community and ensure they get the assistance they were promised and planned for."
"We are pleased that budget negotiators have agreed to fully fund the CCC in the spending bill and that needed MFP funds will continue to flow to farmers without delay. We appreciate Rep. Underwood's leadership and persistence over the past several days in helping prevent a bad situation from becoming worse for farmers in her district and across the state," said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert.
In June, Rep. Underwood wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to request specific information on United States Department of Agriculture's efforts to aid agricultural communities that have been hurt by planting delays and tariffs. Along with many public events with the agriculture community across the 14th District, Rep. Underwood also regularly meets with her Agriculture Advisory Council, a team made up of members of the agriculture community who provide insight into the industry and its needs and feedback on federal legislation.