Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven addressed the Senate to advocate for reopening the federal government by passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution (CR). He emphasized that Congress should prioritize passing appropriations bills through regular order and provide support to U.S. agriculture producers.

Hoeven’s comments follow another vote by Senate Democrats against a clean, short-term CR intended to fund the government through November 21. The House of Representatives has already approved this measure, which would allow more time for Congress to complete its annual appropriations work.

“Once again, our Democrat colleagues are going to have the opportunity to vote for a clean, non-partisan continuing resolution that would open the government and allow us to continue working on the appropriations process. Unfortunately, the Democrat leadership is demanding more than $1 trillion in new spending just to keep the government open until November 21,” said Hoeven. “Let’s end this Schumer shutdown and pass a clean, short-term CR – the same kind of clean CR mind you that 96 percent of Democrats voted to support 13 times during the Biden administration."

Hoeven also pointed out the need for bipartisan cooperation on funding bills and highlighted ongoing efforts to assist farmers during harvest season. He noted that while trade negotiations with China continue, U.S. producers require temporary assistance and an updated farm safety net included in recent legislation.

“We need to re-open the government, return to our bipartisan appropriations work, and get back to conducting the business of the American people. A good example is our work to support our ag producers… With harvest season underway, the Trump administration continues to fight for better markets for our farmers and ranchers, but in the meantime, our producers need a bridge to stronger markets and the updated farm safety net, which we included as part of the Big Beautiful Bill.”

Hoeven expressed concern about China’s actions affecting commodity prices and production costs for American farmers. He called for timely action from Congress as a way to signal opposition to such tactics during trade talks.

“Due to China’s efforts to reduce commodity prices and push up the cost of production, our farmers are having a hard time right now. It’s critical that we don’t allow China to use our farmers as a pressure point in negotiations… By acting now and providing assistance for our producers during these negotiations, we will send a very strong signal to China that their tactics will not work. That’s how we secure better market access for our producers for the long-term.”

He referenced previous efforts under President Trump’s administration when similar measures were taken: “That’s exactly what President Trump did during his first term in his negotiations with China, when we worked with him on the Market Facilitation Program to keep our farmers in the game. The result was that President Trump secured a $50 billion agreement from China to purchase our ag commodities. That’s what we’re working to do once again, and it’s just one example of the hard work that needs to get done for the American people. So, once again I ask our Democrat colleagues to join with us and vote to get this government open.”