Lawmakers urged to increase farm subsidies

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Roughly $10 billion in additional farming subsidies are on the chopping block in the upcoming farm bill extension. The news which made its rounds over the weekend, prompted thousands of calls from members of the American Farm Bureau Federation to lawmakers.

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall is urging lawmakers to put politics aside and secure the funding he calls “vital” for struggling farmers. 

Duvall says because of rising inflation, interest rates, and increased commodity prices, thousands of farmers are unable to access loans and are struggling to make a profit. 

In recent years, he estimates as many as 150,000 farmers have been forced to stop operations.

"Our national security is at risk, the cost of being able to buy food for our families or at risk, and our farm families, who have been there for generations…is at risk,” says Duvall.

National Black Farmers Association Founder and President John Boyd says the stakes are even higher for Black farmers historically excluded from federal handouts for generations.

“It’s troubling,” says Boyd. "America's farmers are hurting, and America's black farmers are hurting more."

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has until the end of the week to pass the short-term spending package. Congress is scheduled to adjourn for Christmas break Friday.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) says Johnson will need Democrat support to get it over the finish line. Cleaver says Democrats are also fighting to protect access to SNAP food assistance.

“This is time for people with an IQ of above room temperature to sit down and work things out for the American people,” said Cleaver. “The farmers in the state of Missouri would like for us to pass that bill."

Several Republicans reject the spending increases they argue is behind the ballooning federal deficit.

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas.) said he wants farmers to get the help they need so they can plan for the future. A spokesperson with his office did not state if he supports the extra $10 billion in subsidies but says he, ”supports economic assistance for our farmers and will support the number that his colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture decide is necessary.”

Monday Speaker Johnson said the differences between the two sides are narrowing.