FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delaney Bill Aims to Redirect aid to U.S. Farmers Impacted by Trade Policies
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative April McClain Delaney (D-MD) today introduced the American Farmers First Act, legislation designed to provide financial relief to American agricultural producers struggling due to ongoing trade disputes. the bill proposes redirecting $20 billion from a $40 billion aid package earmarked for Argentina to directly support U.S. farmers facing economic hardship from tariffs and reduced export markets.
U.S. farmers are experiencing financial strain as tariffs increase production costs and diminish demand for American crops. In Maryland alone, the state’s $200 million soybean industry – involving approximately 13,000 families and 16 million bushels in annual production – is threatened by a more than 50% decline in U.S. soybean exports to china, as that nation increasingly sources from competitors like Argentina and Brazil.The recent pledge to increase Argentinian beef imports has also raised concerns among U.S. cattle producers.
The proposed legislation would repurpose funds from the Treasury Department’s Exchange Stabilization Fund, originally intended for Argentina, to provide essential aid to American farmers and producers adversely affected by the tariffs.
“I’ve visited farms and met directly wiht producers across maryland’s 6th District, and nearly all tell me the same thing: these tariffs are crushing our farms and destabilizing our economy,” said Congresswoman Delaney. “Prioritizing international competitors insults the hardworking Americans who feed our nation.By redirecting these corrupted funds,we’re investing in domestic agriculture and standing up for those who keep America’s food supply strong.”
Co-sponsors of the American Farmers First Act include Representatives Houlahan (D-PA),Ivey (D-MD),Mannion (D-NY),mfume (D-MD),Riley (D-NY),Salinas (D-OR),and Stevens (D-MI).
The full text of the legislation is available at: https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/mcclaindelaney.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/mcclmd_057_xml-1.pdf
