Farm groups are bracing for President Joe Biden to propose higher taxes on inherited assets and capital gains this week, while the Supreme Court takes up the authority of EPA to exempt refiners from biofuel usage requirements.

Katherine Tai has been confirmed by the Senate to be the next U.S. Trade Representative, and Kristi Boswell has joined Alston and Bird as a counsel.

The Senate is set to OK President Joe Biden’s nominees for Interior secretary and U.S. Trade Representative this week, while the House looks to jump-start a congressional debate over immigration reform and farm labor.

A key Republican says the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill Democrats are pushing through the Senate will lead to automatic cuts in farm programs and other forms of federal spending. Sen. John Boozman, the top Republican on the Senate Ag Committee, is referring to the Congressional Budget Office’s determination that the legislation would trigger the budget sequestration process under the 2011 budget law.

The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing Thursday to consider the nomination of Katherine Tai to be President Joe Biden’s U.S. Trade Representative and point person on the future of trade relations with China.

Tom Vilsack finally gets his Senate vote to join the Biden administration for a second stint as agriculture secretary, and two other nominees important to farmers and ranchers get hearings this week.

A new letter from 115 food and agriculture organizations says Katherine Tai is “eminently qualified” to be the next U.S. Trade Representative.

Under court order, USDA is reinstating the farm labor survey that has long been used to determine minimum wage rates for H-2A workers. It’s not clear yet how the action will affect 2021 wage rates.

With airlines threatening to lay off thousands of workers, this week could be pivotal if there is going to be a pre-election deal on another major coronavirus relief package.