Pointing to a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Republican staffers on the Senate Agriculture Committee proposed on Wednesday shifting more than $13 billion earmarked separately for climate mitigation into USDA land stewardship programs. Under Congress’ arcane budget rules, the transfer would result in a long-term increase of $1.8 billion a year for stewardship, they said, “subject only to congressional reauthorization.”
Staffers floated a similar proposal a year ago without success. The plan was viewed as the first step in a multistep process to free up money for crop subsidies in the new farm bill. Senate Agriculture chair Debbie Stabenow has opposed reprogramming of the $13 billion, which comes from the 2022 climate law. Republicans voted uniformly against it. A Stabenow spokesperson was not immediately available for comment on the new proposal.
“While disagreements remain regarding climate requirements … Senate Republicans stand ready to reach a bipartisan consensus to protect these funds,” said a two-page GOP blog.
Farm bill leaders are at an impasse over crop subsidies, SNAP, and climate funding. House Republicans have suggested cuts in SNAP and climate funding as a way to pay for larger outlays on farm supports. House and Senate Democrats have rejected cuts in SNAP and climate funds.
Also on Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee scheduled a May 20 hearing on what it said was “the danger China poses to American agriculture.” Witnesses would include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and the chair of the House select committee on China.
“It’s no secret that China poses significant threats to our way of life — agriculture is no exception,” said House Agriculture chair Glenn Thompson in a statement to Fox News. “We will look to every available legislative vehicle, including the farm bill, to stop China in its tracks and strengthen our food and national security.”