October 7, 2025

Contents

• What We’re Watching
• Notable News
• This Week’s Legislation
• Upcoming Hearings
• Contact the Team

What We’re Watching

Congress 

Congress remains in a shutdown, with multiple Senate votes on both the Republican and Democrat Continuing Resolution (CR) proposals failing. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated the Senate will continue to hold votes with the hope that a handful of Democrats will eventually vote for the Republican package to end the shutdown. Eight Senate Democrats will have to vote yes for the Republican package to move forward, but so far only Senators Fetterman (D-PA) Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Angus King (I-ME) have voted yes.  Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has continued to vote no on the Republican package to end the shutdown.

The longer the government remains shut down, the more likely programs will start to run out of funding. For example, it has been reported the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could run out of funding as soon as next week unless states can cover the expense. Additionally, the White House is threatening more reductions in force (RIFs) for federal workers if shutdown negotiations do not progress. Speaker Johnson announced that the House will remain in recess until October 13. Unless the Senate passes the CR this week, the shutdown will continue at least until mid-month, around the time when some federal employees will miss their first paycheck due to the shutdown. 

Administration

FDA Approves Treatment for New World Screwworm 

The FDA has conditionally approved Dectomax-CA1 for the prevention and treatment of New World Screwworm (NWS) larval infestations and prevention of NWS reinfestation for 21 days. The approval is only for use in cattle. The NWS has not been detected in U.S. livestock, but cases have been identified in Mexico advancing closer to the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, USDA announced a plan to eliminate NWS in June to prevent the spread. 

Administration Officials Tease Farm Aid Announcement 

The White House is looking to provide assistance to corn and soybean farmers, who have been facing headwinds due to tariff hikes on China. The Trump administration is considering use of tariff revenue or the Commodity Credit Corporation without creating additional funding considerations in Congress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins met last week, and Secretary Bessent told CNBC that a “Tuesday announcement for farmer support” is in progress. Questions still remain regarding the source of funding and if Congressional approval will eventually be needed. 

DOJ and USDA Announce MOU for Antitrust Enforcement in Agriculture 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division and the USDA announced a Memorandum of Understanding to promote competition in the feed, fertilizer, fuel, seed, equipment, and other essential goods markets. The MOU announcement states that both agencies are looking to use antitrust enforcement to lower input costs for farmers, create channels for regular consultation and coordination on initiatives, as well as committing agencies to designate personnel to facilitate communications between and among attorneys, economists, and technical experts. 

DOL Makes Changes to Methodology for Determining AEWR Wage Rates 

The Department of Labor has issued an interim final rule with a request for comments on the methodology for determining the hourly Adverse Effect Wage Rate by using wage data reported for each state by the Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. The DOL will use survey data applicable to five Standard Occupational Classification codes combining the most common field and livestock worker occupations. The AEWRs will be divided into two skill-based categories to account for wage differentials from qualifications. The threshold for determining which code will be based on the duties performed for the majority of the workdays under the contract period. In addition, the Department will implement a standard adjustment factor to the AEWR to account for employer-provided housing. Comments are due within 60 days of publication. 

Notable News

• Newsom signs bill allowing immediate availability of E15 in California – Ethanol Producer Magazine
• Farm concerns about Trump tariffs could fuel 2026 races – USA Today
• Renewables, hydrogen, transmission projects eyed for DOE cuts – Axios
• First-Generation Farmers Set for Day of Reckoning as Agriculture Crisis Deepens? – AgWeb
• This scientist studies ultra-processed foods. Here’s what he eats in a day. – Washington Post
• Government shutdown hits farmers: What you need to know – Farm Progress 

This Week’s Legislation

Bill introductions have been temporarily paused due to the shutdown.

Upcoming Hearings

Hearings are not being held due to the shutdown.

Contact the Team

Feel free to contact Michael Torrey, Tara Smith, Cassandra Kuball, Barbara Patterson, Katie Naessens, Julie McClure, Nona McCoy, Danielle Nelson, Ashley Smith, Olivia Lucanie, Caroline Sowinski, Eden Lambert, Tracy Boyle, or Grace Walker 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.