Articles by Derrick Cain

With Congress and federal departments working to get back to speed after the 16-day government shutdown, House lawmakers this week will turn their attention to a reauthorization of the water resources development act.

A bipartisan group of senators recently challenged USDA to explain “ill-timed decisions” regarding marketing assistance loans that they say are creating financial uncertainty and hardships for farmers and businesses, including what will amount to a one-month delay in processing loans.

Congress approved legislation (H.R. 2775) late last night that would end the federal government shutdown and avert a U.S. debt default.

The law to avoid a government shutdown and a debt default includes a provision to allow work to continue on the Olmsted Lock and Dam project.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., announced today the House will take up its water resources development act next week, according to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Lawmakers are expected to continue to work this week on ending the government shutdown and avoiding a potential debt default.

The House approved a motion Friday, by voice vote, to go to conference with the Senate to resolve differences between the chambers' farm bills.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, named today the Republican members who will serve as conferees to the upcoming farm bill conference with the Senate.

While House leadership is not expected to announce conferees for the farm bill until after the debt ceiling issue is resolved, House Agriculture Committee ranking member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., said Thursday the list will contain 12 Republicans and nine Democrats.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2013 – Three lawmakers pressed Congress Wednesday to eliminate direct payments to farmers even if a long-term farm bill is not approved this year.