According to a report at The Progressive Farmer, President Donald Trump on Friday signed a $1.3 trillion spending measure, which contains many sections and provisions affecting agriculture and food.
The House on Thursday voted 256-167 to approve the bill, which provides $1.3 trillion in appropriations. The Senate followed early Friday by a vote of 65-32.
Trump signed the legislation after stating earlier on Friday that he was "considering" vetoing the bill over concerns about the program protecting young "Dreamer" immigrants and money for a border wall, the Associated Press reported.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, senators and farm leaders issued statements highlighting the main sections and provisions of the package that affect agriculture and food.
"The omnibus spending plan released last night contains a number of our priorities at USDA," Perdue said.
"Fixing the so-called 'grain glitch' 199A problem is simply an issue of fairness. We should not be picking winners and losers through the federal tax code by favoring one side over another.
"Increased support for broadband Internet access is in line with administration goals and will be an important boost as we look to improve the economy in rural America," he said.
"Finally, the omnibus clears away red tape for participants in conservation programs by exempting them from having to obtain SAM and DUNS numbers. These were designed for billion-dollar government contractors, not everyday farmers trying to support their families."
Read the full report at The Progressive Farmer.
