Leaders of the House Agriculture Committee say Congress may need to step in with at least $10 billion in additional aid for U.S. farmers, beyond the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program recently announced by the Trump administration.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., says the administration’s program, while helpful, does not go far enough to support all sectors of agriculture.
The current package is largely aimed at row crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat, with about $1 billion set aside for other commodities.
Thompson said industries including dairy, timber and specialty crops may require further assistance to help producers secure credit and remain viable into 2026.
He emphasizes that any supplemental aid should stabilize farms without replacing market forces.
Meanwhile, USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce says budget constraints make a second aid package from the agency unlikely, leaving Congress as the primary option for more support.
Senate Agriculture Committee leaders says they are waiting to see how far the current funds go before committing to a specific amount of additional aid.
