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Ag lobbyist says Senate plan could bring end to shutdown, fund ag bill

Ag lobbyist Randy Russell says the government shutdown could end soon.

“It just comes down to pressure,” he says. “When you start having people impacted by not getting their nutrition benefits, have people not getting paid, have people that get flights canceled and long delays on the runway, that starts really getting people’s attention.”

Russell with The Russell Group says Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota has a plan to reopen the government, which would “Fund the agriculture bill, the military construction bill and the legislative branch bill. It would basically fund them for the rest of the year on a continuing resolution.”

Russell says negotiations are expected.

“Nine other appropriations bills need to be worked through, and the Democrats want to have the issue of the tax credit under the Affordable Care Act addressed.”

He says the jury is still out as to whether Farm Bill 2.0 will be completed by the end of the year.

“I think lawmakers have early 2026 to get something done. I’m in the camp lawmakers might offer a short-term extension to give them time to finish up next year.”

This is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, lasting nearly 40 days.