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Build Back Better Plan Continues to Take Shape with Urgency in the House

Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives continue to adjust the shape of the so-called "Build Back Better" plan, which is the democrats' budget reconciliation plan that plans to dramatically increase spending in a variety of government programs. Within the long list of domestic investments is conservation funding for climate related policies for farmers, including $25 dollar per acre payments for cover crops, and additional investments in rural infrastructure and agriculture research. The legislation also includes comprehensive investments in what democrats call "soft infrastructure," or social programs related to health care, education, and families.

A separate bipartisan bill that includes investments in "hard infrastructure" is also pending in the House, and is stalled along with the Build Back Better plan as democrats seek to lock in sufficient votes to advance both measures. The bipartisan infrastructure bill already passed the Senate whereas the Build Back Better plan would need additional consideration from the Senate.

A vote on both measures may occur as early as Friday, November 5th.

More below:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/moderates-balk-175-trln-biden-bill-tax-arbiter-says-revenues-fall-short-2021-11-04/

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/11/04/pelosi-domestic-agenda-519503

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/nov/04/new-issues-added-in-budget-bill-rush/

https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2021/11/04/biden-reflects-urgency-get-things

https://rules.house.gov/bill/117/hr-5376

Section by Section of Build Back Better

Summary of Ag Provisions

$90 billion in ag provisions in the Build Back Better Act:

  • $22 billion is provided for farm bill conservation programs, including $9 billion for EQIP, $4.1 billion for CSP, $7.5 billion for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and $1.7 billion for conservation easements.
  • $2 billion for agricultural research.
  • $27 billion for forestry, including $10 billion for hazardous fuels reduction in regions where wild and urban areas interface.
  • $18.3 billion for rural development, including $9.7 billion for grants and loans to rural electric cooperatives to purchase renewable energy or renewable energy systems. Nearly $1 billion also would be earmarked for biofuel infrastructure.
  • $6 billion in new funding for debt relief to farmers who hold USDA direct and guaranteed loans.
  • $10 billion for child nutrition assistance.