Cape News

Senator Josh Hawley has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at providing direct payments to farmers and ranchers using revenue collected from tariffs imposed during President Trump's administration. The proposed bill, titled the Support Our Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025, seeks to address financial difficulties faced by agricultural producers due to high input costs and low profit margins.

According to Senator Hawley's office, the legislation will authorize $20 billion in appropriations sourced from qualifying tariff proceeds. These funds are intended to be distributed as a one-time payment directly to eligible agricultural producers across all commodity groups, including crops, livestock, and poultry. The measure is designed to allow the Secretary of Agriculture discretion in how the aid program is implemented and requires that payments be delivered within 90 days.

"Today, Senator Josh Hawley announced he will introduce legislation, the Support Our Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025, to deliver direct payments for farmers and ranchers using revenue collected from President Trump’s tariffs."

The plan builds on relief efforts initiated during President Trump’s first term when tens of billions were allocated for similar programs in response to market conditions impacting farmers and ranchers. If enacted, this new legislation would provide congressional authorization for continuing those types of relief payments this year.

Senator Hawley's office stated: "The program will use billions in tariff money to provide congressional authorization for the Trump Administration’s plans to deliver relief for farmers and ranchers after several years of high input costs and low profitability margins. During his first term, President Trump provided tens of billions in a relief program to account for market conditions. Senator Hawley’s Support Our Farmers and Ranchers Act would permit the Trump Administration to immediately proceed with a similar relief program for this year."

Further details specify that qualified producers under the act include all crop commodities as well as livestock and poultry sectors. The bill also provides flexibility for USDA leadership: "Allow USDA discretion in implementation. This legislation will authorize funds to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to properly implement critical, emergency farm aid."

The aim is that these measures will ensure timely delivery of support: "Ensure the direct payments are delivered within 90 days to provide timely relief."