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Government shutdown would impact farmers

Another government shutdown looms and farmers will be affected if it happens.

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says House and Senate leadership are meeting with President Biden this afternoon to discuss an extension of current deadlines to get the appropriations done. “In between now and March 15th, farmers have to go to the county FSA offices to certify whether they want to pick ARC or PLC (Ag Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage) to have protection from low prices. If the FSA offices can’t be open, you’re not going to be able to serve the farmers.”

The Iowa Republican suggests there’s more of a hangup in the House. “And so, it’s difficult for me to predict what might be going on in the House of Representatives, but hopefully we get a bipartisan agreement out of our meeting with the President today to move ahead.”

A lack of action by Friday would shut down the government and impact USDA, EPA, and the Department of Transportation. 

AUDIO: Senator Chuck Grassley’s media call from 2/27/24.