WASHINGTON — On day 41 of the government shutdown, Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation to ensure that the Farm Services Agency (FSA) is considered essential and remains open regardless of a lapse in federal funding.
“The Farm Service Agency provides critical support to our great farmers here in Wisconsin and across the nation,” said Congressman Wied. “From disaster relief to loan programs and everything in between, the farmers who rely on these services should not be forced to suffer because politicians in Washington can’t get their act together.”
The Bringing Assistance to Rural Needs during Shutdowns (BARNS) Act would instruct the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to automatically consider the FSA as an essential agency and ensure those offices remain open during any future shutdown.
Background: The FSA is a subagency of the USDA that supports farms and farming communities through various programs, including disaster relief, conservation programs, commodity price guarantee programs, and loan programs – among many others. Throughout the shutdown, farmers have continuously pointed toward the closure of FSA offices as one of their top issues of uncertainty. Farms have missed determination deadlines, loan payments, and other payments due to these closures. Thankfully, the USDA resumed operations for the FSA two weeks ago. However, some offices were delayed or have yet to reopen – leaving farmers in limbo.
Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), Michael Guest (R-MS), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) are original cosponsors of this legislation.
“Farmers deserve certainty. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides essential programs that keep America’s farms and ranches strong. From disaster assistance to loans and market support, FSA services help farmers plan, invest, and care for their land and livestock. Even in times of disruption, the work of the FSA is critical to the stability of our agricultural community and, even more, the American food supply,” said Congressman Bergman (MS-01).
“The work of our farmers is both essential and precise — with harvests planned months in advance and natural disasters posing an unpredictable risk, our producers need timely, comprehensive support whether or not the government is shut down. I’m proud to support the bipartisan BARNS Act and protect our farming communities. Politics should never inhibit the prosperity of American farms,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney (MD-06)
“Our farmers don’t stop working during a shutdown, and the support systems they depend on shouldn’t stop either,” said Congressman Mackenzie (PA-07). “FSA offices provide essential services that help family farms manage loans, respond to weather damage, and plan for the season. Keeping these doors open during any future shutdown will help ensure our agricultural communities have the certainty they deserve.”
“Washington shutdowns shouldn’t shut down the heartland. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor the BARNS Act,” said Congressman Harrigan (NC-10). “When a farmer’s loan deadline hits or disaster strikes, “sorry, we’re closed” isn’t an answer our rural communities can afford. Our farmers feed America 365 days a year. The least we can do is keep the Farm Service Agency doors open when they need us most.”
Congressman Wied is also grateful to have the support of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Farm Credit Cooperative Compeer Financial.
“We thank Congressman Wied for his understanding of the critical role that FSA plays in the rural and farm economy. The BARNS Act will go a long way to provide the certainty rural America needs to continue operating, despite any future government shutdowns,” said Jase Wagner, President & CEO of Compeer Financial
Read the full bill text HERE.
