MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Washington senators Cantwell and Murray criticize Trump, USDA over uneven farm bailouts

Nov 13, 2019, 3:44 PM

climate change soil, usda...

(AP)

(AP)

The recent trade war with China and other countries sparked by the Trump administration lead to retaliatory tariffs that impacted the agriculture industry in the U.S. As a result, the Market Facilitation Program was created to reimburse farmers who had taken on related losses.

But this week, Washington Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray criticized the manner in which the payments were doled out, arguing that they mostly benefited farmers in the South and only larger companies, reports The News Tribune.

Seattle startup Convoy seeks to be Uber of trucking, raises $400 million

“The President boasted about his trade wars today, but lots of Washington farmers have not been protected from these tariffs or have been blocked from delivering their crops,” Cantwell said. “Secretary Perdue and President Trump need to stop the speech-making and deliver the support to farmers they have promised.”

The statement was part of a chorus of critiques from 15 other Democratic senators who were disappointed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, and how they handled the payments. Upwards of $12 billion was allotted in 2018 and $16 billion in 2019.

“Our growers and exporters are a critical part of the economy in communities across Eastern Washington and our state, and this uneven approach to federal trade assistance unfairly picks winners and losers in industries that are already being squeezed by President Trump’s decisions,” Murray said. “Farmers from Spokane Valley to Walla Walla to Ritzville and beyond should have access to
the federal support they need to weather the impacts of these unpredictable trade disputes – and that’s what I’m going to keep pushing for.”

Dry weather stalls promise of November snow in Western Washington

States that have received the most to this point include Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, and Kansas. According to a USDA statement in response, the payments are based not on location but on the level of related damage.

“While we appreciate feedback on this program, the fact of the matter is that USDA has provided necessary funding to help farmers who have been impacted by unjustified retaliatory tariffs … While criticism is easy to come up with, we welcome constructive feedback from any member of Congress with recommendations as to how the program could be better administered.”

MyNorthwest News

Photo: On Monday, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced there will be 16 new preschool classrooms across Se...

Julia Dallas

Harrell’s office announces Seattle preschool slots for thousands of kids

Thousands more families will have the chance to start their children's Seattle preschool education earlier, thanks to a program launching.

5 hours ago

Digital...

Micki Gamez

How parents can help prevent children from falling victim to online sex crimes

Chances are, if your teen has a cell phone or tablet, they either know someone or they have been the victim of an online sex crime because kids as young as seven are online more than ever. My interest in this story began almost the same time last year when my daughter came home and […]

9 hours ago

Pierce County Jail...

Bill Kaczaraba

Pierce County Corrections chief at odds with the employee guild

The Corrections Bureau's Guild has issued Patti Jackson a vote of 'no confidence,' as reported by The Tacoma News Tribune.

10 hours ago

Image: A Seattle Police Department vehicle seen during the day...

Sam Campbell

Security guard stabbed, suspect barricades inside Beacon Hill apartment

SWAT officers surrounded a complex in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood after police said a man stabbed a guard barricaded himself inside.

12 hours ago

seattle indecent exposure...

Frank Sumrall

Seattle man arrested for 14 counts of indecent exposure, most near schools

A 34-year-old man was arrested by Seattle police (SPD) in connection to 14 counts of indecent exposure near Lake Forest Park.

12 hours ago

Federal Way shootings...

Bill Kaczaraba

Federal Way Police say two shootings are related

Police believe two shootings in Federal Way are related.

14 hours ago

Washington senators Cantwell and Murray criticize Trump, USDA over uneven farm bailouts