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Democrats say not another band-aid

Democratic leaders say farmers want access to markets, not government payments.

Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee Debbie Stabenow of Michigan says USDA’s support program is no substitute for lost markets.  She’s concerned about the fairness of the new trade aid program, saying it’s complex and leaves more questions than answers for farmers.  

Congressman Jim Costa of California, who serves as the chairman of the House Agriculture Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee, says the program is rushed and poorly planned.   He says it’s troubling the most valuable ag products like fruits and vegetables will receive different and possibly reduced aid.  Costa wants the administration to rescind tariffs and finish a deal with China that improves markets for farmers.