Washington Roundup – October 2025
Government Shutdown Continues
Congress remains at an impasse regarding reopening the federal government. The House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution that would keep the government funded through November 21st. Since that time, the Senate has failed to pass the continuing resolution, failing on largely party line votes each time it has been considered. Democrats have thus far rejected the House passed version because they want to address healthcare subsidies that are scheduled to expire later this year.
On October 27th, the American Federation of Government Employees sent a letter calling on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government. The move was seen as potentially increasing pressure on Democrats to accept the House resolution but has yet to result in any changed votes.
On November 1st, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is scheduled to run out which would halt food assistance until the government reopens. USDA has indicated that it does not have the legal authority to tap emergency funds to issue additional SNAP benefits. Twenty-five states have filed suit against USDA asserting that the department does have authority to provide SNAP benefits. In addition, Senate Democrats have indicated plans to introduce legislation that would fund SNAP.
USDA Announces Plan to Support Beef Industry
On October 20th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a series of actions planned to assist the beef industry. USDA cited recent losses of cattle ranches, historically low heard levels and growing beef demand as factors driving the announcement. The plan focuses on three priority areas:
PROTECTING AND IMPROVING THE BUSINESS OF RANCHING: Strengthening the foundation of U.S. cattle production through endangered species reforms, enhanced disaster relief, increased grazing access, increased access to capital, and affordable risk management tools.
EXPANDING PROCESSING, CONSUMER TRANSPARENCY, AND MARKET ACCESS: Lowering long-term costs, increasing marketing options, and ensuring consumers have clear, truthful information about American beef.
BUILDING DEMAND ALONGSIDE DOMESTIC SUPPLY: Growing the domestic herd while boosting domestic and international demand so that ranchers are not trapped in the boom/bust cycle that has defined past cattle markets.
More details on the USDA plan can be found HERE.
On the heels of releasing the plan, the Trump Administration also announced the intention to increase the import of beef from Argentina, a move intended to help reduce beef prices. The call to increase imports of Argentinian beef was met with criticism by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) who called the policy misguided and cited concerns about the negative impacts to domestic producers.
