July 15, 2025

Contents

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

What We’re Watching

Congress 

Appropriations

Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the FY26 Agriculture-FDA spending bill, which largely rejected cuts proposed by the Administration and the House. The bill provides $27.5 billion in discretionary funding for programs at USDA and FDA which is comparable to current funding levels at the Department. The next step will be for both the House and Senate to pass their committee passed bills on the chamber floor before the language can be conferenced into a final FY26 appropriations bill. The full bill text can be found here, and the summary can be found here. The House continues to work FY26 appropriations bills through Subcommittee and Full Committee votes releasing the FY26 Energy and Water and Interior spending bills.  

Finally, Congress has until July 18 to take action on the rescission package which would make broad cuts to foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, but Senate GOP Members have yet to come to agreement just days before the deadline.  

Administration

President Trump Announces More Tariffs 

On July 7, President Trump signed an Executive Order declaring ‘reciprocal’ tariff rates, which were initially set to go into place July 9, are to be pushed back to August 1, 2025. The President shared via Truth Social that he has sent over 20 letters to country leaders informing them of their new reciprocal tariff rates, which will take effect on August 1. The President has posted a letter to Canada via Truth Social indicating he will look to place a 35% tariff rate on Canadian imports starting August 1, and then announced a 30% tariff rate on Mexico. On Monday, the President announced that he will levy 100% tariffs on any country that trades with Russia unless a ceasefire is reached between Russia and Ukraine within the next 50 days. 

The European Union has been pressing hard for a deal with the U.S. ahead July 14, when their suspension of duties against a large range of U.S. goods, including food products, is set to expire. Over the weekend, President Trump threatened the EU with a 30% tariff rate, unless they reach a deal on trade discussions.  

Secretary Rollins Increases Action around Immigrants 

Last week, Secretary Rollins issued a notice to clarify the definition of “federal public benefit” to exclude illegal immigrants from receiving benefits from programs that provide public benefits under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. She also made an announcement saying there will be no amnesty for agricultural workers while the Trump administration ramps up activity on deportations.  

FDA Announces Dyes Approvals 

The FDA released a statement granting Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s GBIG color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in food and beverages. This is the fourth natural color approved by the FDA in the past two months, as well as major food and beverage companies voluntarily electing to remove synthetic dyes from their products.  

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of RIFs  

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court upheld the Trump administration reductions in force (RIF) plans. It has been reported that Secretary Rollins is still considering a reduction in force plan for USDA, and the FDA has already terminated 15% of its workforce. This could have broader impacts on rulemaking, food safety, and nutrition programs if the federal workforce continues to downsize.  

USDA Releases Action Plan for Farm Security 

Last week, USDA released its National Farm Security Action Plan, identifying agriculture as critical infrastructure and emphasizing its role in national security. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem along with several Members of Congress and Governors at USDA for the release. The report identifies threats to agriculture from foreign adversaries, cyberattacks, bioterrorism, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The plan also outlines specific actions USDA will undertake, in coordination with other government agencies, to protect American farmland, enhance agricultural supply chain resilience, safeguard nutrition programs, secure research, and strengthen domestic agricultural productivity. 

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Announced  

The USDA has opened applications for $16 billion in disaster assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) for producers who suffered eligible crop losses in 2023 and 2024. Stage One opened July 10 for those with prior crop insurance or NAP coverage. Stage Two, covering uncovered losses, begins this fall. Prefilled applications are being mailed. Producers must maintain crop insurance for the next two years or repay aid. For FAQs regarding SDRP click here.   

Notable News

• Rollins unveils National Farm Security Action Plan  – High Plains Journal  
• What to know about Trump’s new tariffs on Canada – ABC News  
• Ag Legislators Look Ahead to “Skinny” Farm Bill this Fall – Farm Policy News  
• US has reclosed its southern border after a flesh-eating parasite is seen further north in Mexico – AP 
• Immigration raids leave crops unharvested, California farms at risk – Reuters 
• Trump administration sues California over cage-free egg and animal welfare law – LA Times 

This Week’s Legislation

• H.R.4357 – To provide for the water quality restoration of the Tijuana River and the New River, and for other purposes. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) and is also sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA).  
• H.R.4354 – To require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program to provide payments to producers experiencing certain crop losses as a result of a disaster. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-4).  
• H.R.4347 – To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to provide employment and training data grants, and for other purposes. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6).  
• H.R.4339 – To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a renewable energy grant program for territories of the United States, and for other purposes. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA-36).  
• H.R.4322 – To require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide regular updates to Livestock Indemnity Program payment rates to reflect market prices, and for other purposes. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4).   
• H.R.4314 – To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require that supplemental Nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits be used for the purchase of food products grown, produced, and manufactured in the United States. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-3).  

Upcoming Hearings

Monday, July 14

• 6:00 PM: The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies will hold a markup on the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill.

Tuesday, July 15 

• 10:00 AM: The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry will hold a hearing titled “Safeguarding US Agriculture: The Role of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)” 
• 10:00 AM ET: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Markup on Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill

Wednesday, July 16 

• 10:00 AM: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will be holding a markup on legislative proposals to maintain and improve the public health workforce, rural health, and over-the-counter medicines. 
• 10:00 AM: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing to examine constructing the surface transportation reauthorization bill, focusing on stakeholders’ perspectives. 
• 2:00 PM: The House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit will hold a hearing titled “Financing Farm Operations: The Importance of Credit and Risk Management” 

Thursday, July 17 

• 8:45 AM: The Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight will hold a hearing to examine the beneficial use and regulation of chemicals. 

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.