US farmers face 'financial calamity' without extra aid soon, Republican lawmakers say

As U.S. farmers enter autumn harvest season worried that low crop prices and a trade war could hurt their livelihoods, Republican farm-state lawmakers are urging President Donald Trump's administration to issue economic aid for farmers by year's end.

Discussions between lawmakers and the administration highlight the trade-offs Republicans face between loyalty to the president and representing constituents who have contacted their offices and flocked to town halls in their districts, worried about the impact of Trump's trade policies.

Four farm-state members of Congress told Reuters they are in talks with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other administration officials about an aid package, ideally by the end of December.

Republican Senator John Hoeven, who leads agriculture funding on the appropriations committee, said he is discussing with the administration an approach similar to that taken during Trump's first term, when the federal government issued $23 billion in payments to farmers to offset losses from a trade war with China. He said emergency aid could also be added to a government spending bill.

Hoeven, of North Dakota, said farmers need assistance "the sooner, the better, but certainly by year-end."

On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said she is working daily with Congress, opens new tab to evaluate how much aid might be needed this autumn, but did not specify a timeline or amount.

A USDA spokesperson said officials were "exploring the need for further assistance but have not made a determination if an additional program is needed at this time." The spokesperson said Trump was supporting farmers by opening new international markets, lowering taxes and boosting farm supports in his tax-cut and spending bill.

“President Trump and Secretary Rollins are always in touch with the needs of our farmers, who played a crucial role in the President’s November victory," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in an email.