Trade and Ag Budget Pt 1

Trade and Ag Budget Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I'm Bob Larson. Another year of uncertain markets for Washington growers as trade negotiations continue and the President's budget awaits vigorous debate.

U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says while trade talks with China and other nations are a major concern, budget cuts at the USDA are also worth watching ...

NEWHOUSE ... "It's a concern that some of the cuts that are reflected and we had some of the conservation districts in my office and they are very concerned about that moving forward. Some of the other USDA interests, but I think it's early. It's not a final product yet and we will go through a lot of work and debate before a get a final package."

So, in the meantime, is there anything we can do to prevent further damage? ...

NEWHOUSE ... "I guess I would just encourage all the ag groups to stay engaged in the process to help us make the case for those provisions that have potential reductions to them so that we can do it as well as we can to make restorations where necessary."

Newhouse says the challenges have become much greater this session now that Democrats have taken control of the House ...

NEWHOUSE ... "What's interesting is that the House Democrats have already said that they won't have this budget or any budget at all. So, that's an interesting position to take. That tells me that we definitely have a lot of work to do here before the end of this session."

Newhouse encourages all ag groups to stay engaged and let your lawmakers know what's important and how their decisions effect you directly.

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