Finkenauer Statement on Deal to Replenish CCC Funding

September 22, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the announcement of a legislative package that includes new funding for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC):

"We fought to include replenishment of the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) in the House appropriations bill –– and today we got it. Iowa’s farmers and producers are contending with forces beyond their control — from the administration’s ongoing trade wars and inconsistent biofuels policy to natural disasters and the pandemic.  This deal also includes key language to prevent the USDA from paying Big Oil with money meant to help our farmers. We must stand with our farmers and our neighbors through these challenges and ensure partisan games don’t leave them stranded. 

"Now, I am calling for the same urgency and bipartisan negotiations we saw today in funding the CCC to carry over to swift, bipartisan action on a new pandemic relief package.  

"Every day that goes by without a pandemic relief package is another day of uncertainty and insecurity for Iowa families, front-line workers, small businesses and local governments. House and Senate leaders and the White House are fighting over politics while Iowans’ lives and livelihoods remain at risk. As the U.S. hits the tragic milestone of 200,000 lives lost to COVID-19, we need bipartisan agreement more than ever on a new relief package — and Congress should not leave Washington until we get it done." 

On Tuesday, Finkenauer joined colleagues in urging House leadership to keep members in session until a new bipartisan COVID-19 relief package is passed.

Monday, Finkenauer joined the Iowa federal delegation in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging full funding for the Commodity Credit Commission.

Also on Monday, Finkenauer offered an amendment to the Continuing Resolution that would replenish the CCC funding without delay and ensure payments to Iowa farmers are not interrupted.

On September 17, Finkenauer sent a letter to House and Senate leaders again urging them to put aside politics and find a bipartisan compromise on a new COVID-19 relief package. The letter highlighted Finkenauer’s recent Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship Subcommittee hearing, which featured Iowa businesses discussing economic development and recovery from the pandemic.

On August 3, Finkenauer sent a letter to House and Senate leaders on Monday to highlight the urgent need for a new COVID-19 relief package. The letter included stories from Iowans impacted by the pandemic.