Overview

• On NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said farmers will likely need financial assistance this year because key export markets are closed.
• He defended using tariffs to seek “reciprocity” and said tariff receipts are the most likely source to fund any farm support.
• Axios reports China has largely stopped buying U.S. soybeans and noted Argentina’s discounted sales to China, prompting Republican criticism of aiding Argentine producers while domestic sales languish.
• Despite assurances from President Trump and GOP leaders, no farm-relief package has been proposed and the timing for action remains unclear.
• Axios notes a prior bailout absorbed nearly all tariff revenue at the time, while current collections are reported at more than $30 billion a month, a scale that could ease funding but still faces budget rules and partisan resistance.