USDA’s top climate adviser is trying to dispel concerns that the administration’s carbon spending will crowd out private investors. That’s a concern shared by some entities that are building private carbon credit markets.

The Senate on Friday approved a budget resolution that provides a path for President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package, but Republicans first used a series of amendments to force Democrats to take stands on numerous issues, including the reach of federal water regulations.

Farmers who were facing a steep drop in government payments in 2021 will instead see a third round of coronavirus relief payments and other producers and ag processors left out of previous aid programs this year will get help this time, under a massive stimulus package and government funding bill.

Rural health care leaders say the recently-passed Phase 3 coronavirus legislation and any potential phases to come need to better address the concerns of rural hospitals. 

Rural hospitals were already struggling to stay open before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Now, many face escalated closures due to the stoppage of elective surgeries, skyrocketing prices of personal protective equipment (PPE) and what some say amounts to being overlooked in the recently passed recovery bill. 

Congressional leaders have reached agreement on a $2 trillion economic rescue package that would replenish the Agriculture Department’s Commodity Credit Corp. authority and earmark additional money for livestock and specialty crop producers as well as local agriculture.