Durbin Issues Statement On Urgency Of Passing Farm Bill As President-Elect Trump's Tariffs Loom Over Illinois' Agriculture Sector
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today released the following statement regarding the urgency in passing a Farm Bill as President-elect Trump threatens to impose tariffs on prominent trade partners in the agricultural sector:
“Sticker shock has become an almost expected experience during Americans’ weekly grocery shopping, and it’s deeply impacting families’ budgets. And Illinois farmers are experiencing higher costs, too, and lower crop prices.
“Congress can tackle both issues right now by passing a full, five-year Farm Bill before the end of the year. A smart Farm Bill does two things – it updates a strong safety-net that keeps food affordable for seniors, people with disabilities, and families, and it gives farmers certainty and protections into next year.
“Failure to pass a full, fair Farm Bill is a mistake, and next year will start with many unknowns for households and farmers. President-elect Trump’s statements that threaten major tariffs on farm export markets is alarming, and could create higher food prices for Illinois consumers and big trouble for Illinois farm budgets.”
Illinois, in particular, would be harmed by President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs. Canada, Mexico, and China are top markets for Illinois agriculture. Illinois ranks third nationally in farm export earnings, leading all 12 midwestern states at one-third of total Midwest farm exports to those nations.
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