Senate panel votes unanimously for more food-assistance funds
In a marked contrast to the polarized House, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted unanimously on Thursday for larger spending on domestic and international food assistance. Also unlike the House, the bill did not propose new restrictions on SNAP eligibility, a key issue in the debt limit bill enacted early this month.
India removes tariffs on a range of U.S. farm exports
As a sign of partnership, India will remove retaliatory tariffs on U.S. apples, chickpeas, lentils, almonds, and walnuts, said U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai on Thursday, The decision was announced as part of a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Flash drought broadens: Drought covers 64 percent of corn and 57 percent of soybean territory, an increase of 7 points for corn and 6 points for soybeans in the past week. (USDA)
Torres Small vote nears: Senators agreed to put the nomination of Xochitl Torres Small for deputy agriculture secretary to a procedural test vote on July 10, a final hurdle before confirmation as the No. 2 USDA official. (FERN’s Ag Insider)
SCOTUS water ruling: The Supreme Court ruled that treaties creating the Navajo reservation “did not require the United States to take affirmative steps to secure water for the tribe” in the arid West. (Los Angeles Times)
USDA land-access project:Fifty projects are under consideration for up to $300 million in federal assistance in an effort to improve access to land, capital, and markets for underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. (USDA)
Packing plant disease danger: OSHA should strengthen rules to protect meat and poultry workers from infectious disease, according to a Government Accountability Office report. (Investigate Midwest)
