October 10, 2023

Contents

• What We’re Watching
• Notable News
• Upcoming Hearings
• Contact the Team

What We’re Watching

Congress 

House Speaker Elections

Following the passage of a Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded, Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) introduced a motion to vacate Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). The motion passed with just eight Republicans joining all House Democrats in ousting Kevin McCarthy as Speaker.  Following the vote, the House went back into recess, although Members are still encouraged to stay within the area for potential Speaker votes. So far, two Members have announced their candidacies for Speaker, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH), but it is unclear whether any other candidates will officially join the race. House Republicans will host a candidate forum today, and a speaker vote could come as early as Wednesday, but the exact timing remains unclear without a clear consensus from Republicans. There is no specific deadline to elect a Speaker, however, the House cannot move any legislation without an elected Speaker in place.

A letter has been circulated by House Republicans requesting the motion to vacate rule gets changed so legislative business can continue, and some members have been vocal about nominating Congressman McCarthy again to lead the conference. The recent attacks on Israelis by Hamas over the weekend could have an influence on Speaker elections as well, adding a sense of urgency and a prioritization of foreign policy experience. Originally, Congressman McCarthy had announced he would not be running again, but given his foreign policy experience, could put him back in the race.

Appropriations

Already, aid for Israel is said to be the first piece of legislation to be taken up by the House once a Speaker is elected. This will have an impact on the timing of must-pass appropriations and agriculture legislation.

The future of the current House Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bill remains in limbo, especially given recent comments from House Rules Committee Chairman, Tom Cole (R-OK) indicating that with a new Speaker, Republicans no longer need to adhere to the steep cuts in the bill that were meant to appease the far-right flank. He has been vocal about using the motion to vacate as an opportunity to re-do appropriations bills and adhere to the debt limit deal that was struck by President Biden and Congressman McCarthy (R-CA).

The Senate is currently on recess but will likely take up the minibus package of the Agriculture, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD bills the week of October 16.

Farm Bill

The 2018 farm bill has expired, passing the September 30 deadline without an extension, and ongoing focus on appropriations and foreign aid could limit floor time through the end of the year. While most expirations will not begin until January 1, there were some changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that began on October 1. Specifically, a ban on SNAP transaction fees has expired, which could have adverse impacts  on retailers with a large SNAP consumer base. Bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to permanently ban processing fees, but neither chamber has considered it.

Also on October 1, the new work requirements and exemptions outlined in the debt ceiling for SNAP beneficiaries will began, as well as a new cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for 2024.

Administration

First Nutrition Incentives Pilot Program Launched

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be partnering with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to roll out a new nutrition hub pilot program under the Agricultural Science Center of Excellence for Nutrition and Diet for Better Health (ASCEND for Better Health) Initiative.

The Nutrition Hub will work to facilitate science-based, nutrition-related information targeted at underserved communities with high rates of diet- related diseases. It also will support commitments outlined in the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to prioritize the role of nutrition and food security in disease prevention.

USDA Holds Crop Insurance Education Programs

USDA’s Risk Management Agency is working to educate stakeholders on how the Federal Crop Insurance program can provide risk management to an increasing number of specialty crop growers. According to USDA, over the past 20 years, the number of individual specialty crops insured under crop insurance programs increased by 27%. Currently, there are over 70 individual specialty crops insured under crop insurance programs. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger said, “We’re committed to working with specialty crop and organic producers to develop crop insurance options that fit their needs…We’ve listened, and we’re proud of our efforts to deliver crop insurance options that meet the needs of producers as well as to share information on available crop insurance options. This is part of USDA’s commitment to reach underserved and under reached producers and to help producers access new and better markets.” Read about the numerous programs offered here.

Notable News

• USDA Celebrates First Anniversary of the Historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health – USDA
• Farmers fear laws meant to protect agricultural workers could put them out of business, end iconic Colorado crops – KRCC
• High RCPP demand will leave some requests unfilled, despite influx of IRA funding – AgriPulse
• 4 takeaways from the historic ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy – NPR
• US wants UK to open up its agriculture markets as part of new trade deal – The Guardian
• Nutrition: The national security threat no one is talking about – The Hill
• The early bird gets the worm – Adopting regenerative ag practices – AgriPulse
• Newsom signs bill to make California first state in nation to ban ‘toxic’ food additives – LA Times

Upcoming Hearings

Congress is out of session at the moment.

Contact the Team

Feel free to contact Michael Torrey, Tara Smith, Cassandra Kuball, Barbara Patterson, Katie Naessens, Caroline Snell, Danielle Nelson, Julie McClure, Ashley Smith, Olivia Lucanie, Heath Brandt, Tracy Boyle or Matthew Hughes with any questions or comments.

Food and agricultural organizations that need the right results in Washington, D.C. can trust Torrey Advisory Group to put its relationships, reputation, and expertise to work on your issue. Since 2005, the firm has successfully provided legislative and regulatory guidance, issues management, and association management services to a wide variety of clients. Learn more about us at torreydc.com.