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U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson Discusses Farm Bill Passage Amidst Senate Concerns and Midterm Elections

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson Discusses Farm Bill Passage Amidst Senate Concerns and Midterm Elections

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, speaking at Dakotafest in Mitchell, SD, on August 19, 2026, addressed the potential passage of the Farm Bill in the House of Representatives. Johnson indicated that the current Senate package for the Farm Bill could garner enough Democratic support in the House to offset potential losses from Republican members who might find the Senate's markup insufficiently conservative. He acknowledged that if the Senate makes further concessions to secure its passage, it could complicate the voting math in the House. The Senate committee is expected to revisit the issue next month. Senator Mike Rounds expressed optimism about the bill's future, suggesting it could be attached to other legislative vehicles such as Defense Authorization or government funding bills. Johnson speculated that a vote on the Farm Bill might occur after the November elections, allowing for clarity on which party holds the majority in both the House and Senate.
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Senators Klobuchar and Rounds Introduce Bipartisan RANCH Act to Rebuild U.S. Cattle Herd

Senators Klobuchar and Rounds Introduce Bipartisan RANCH Act to Rebuild U.S. Cattle Herd

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) have jointly introduced the Rebuilding America’s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to address the significant contraction of the U.S. beef cattle herd, which is currently at its smallest size in over 70 years. The RANCH Act proposes to incentivize the voluntary conversion of marginal cropland into grazing land. The program would offer financial incentives to farmers and ranchers to restore these lands to grasslands suitable for grazing, with an enrollment cap of 20 million acres. Participants would receive annual payments equivalent to 75% of their county’s average cropland cash rental rate and 50% of the cost for establishing perennial grasses or non-woody vegetation, with increased support for beginning farmers and ranchers. The bill also prioritizes poorly performing and highly erodible cropland for conversion. This initiative seeks to support the cattle industry, provide wildlife habitat, and potentially reduce beef...
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Protect College Sports Act, Co-Sponsored by Senator Cantwell, Stalls in Senate; Vote Pushed to September

Protect College Sports Act, Co-Sponsored by Senator Cantwell, Stalls in Senate; Vote Pushed to September

The Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington and Senator Ted Cruz, has been delayed in the Senate. Despite initial hopes for its passage before the congressional recess, the bill failed to reach the Senate floor due to a packed legislative calendar. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the bill is now scheduled for consideration in September, with debates set to commence between September 15 and September 23. The legislation aims to reform college sports by establishing national rules for athlete compensation, transfers, and spending. Key provisions include allowing schools to share up to $48.8 million in revenue among all players in their athletic programs and permitting athletes to earn money through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals while restricting third-party arrangements. The bill also seeks to limit student-athletes to one unrestricted transfer without penalty and includes protections for women's and Olympic sports...
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Representatives Roy and Cohen Introduce Bipartisan ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Representatives Roy and Cohen Introduce Bipartisan ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) have co-introduced the ARTICLE ONE Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to mandate congressional approval for national emergency declarations and the powers exercised under them within 30 days of their issuance. If Congress does not approve within this timeframe, the declarations and associated powers would cease to be in effect. The initiative seeks to restore Congress's constitutional responsibility in overseeing executive emergency powers, which proponents argue have been used indefinitely without sufficient checks and balances. Representative Roy highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of the dangers of unchecked emergency authority, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Representative Cohen noted that some emergency declarations from as far back as the Carter Administration remain active, underscoring the lack of time limits and public rationale for their continuation.
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Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Steve Cohen Introduce ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Steve Cohen Introduce ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee) have introduced the ARTICLE ONE Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at requiring congressional approval for national emergency declarations. Under this proposed legislation, any national emergency declaration and the powers exercised under it would need to be approved by Congress within 30 days to remain in effect. The lawmakers emphasize that the bill seeks to restore Congress's role in overseeing emergency powers and to add accountability to such declarations. Rep. Roy stated that the measure is intended to ensure checks and balances, while Rep. Cohen highlighted that existing emergency authority can persist without sufficient political oversight, and the bill would limit these powers to genuine emergencies. This initiative comes amidst ongoing discussions about the scope of executive power during national crises.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune Identifies Energy Permitting Reform as Key Bipartisan Opportunity

Senate Majority Leader John Thune Identifies Energy Permitting Reform as Key Bipartisan Opportunity

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has indicated that energy permitting reform presents a rare chance for bipartisan cooperation in Congress. Speaking at a summit hosted by Northwestern Energy, Thune highlighted that lawmakers are considering measures to shorten federal review periods for energy projects and impose time limits on legal challenges from opponents. This shift in political dynamics is attributed to developers across various energy sectors, including coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and nuclear, encountering similar regulatory obstacles. Democrats have also observed these hurdles affecting renewable energy projects, creating momentum for reform. Thune noted that securing Democratic support is crucial in the Senate, where major legislation typically requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Despite the current highly partisan political climate, Thune expressed optimism about the prospects for this specific reform.
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Congress Considers Enhanced Funding and Policy for USDA Animal Health Programs in Next Farm Bill

Congress Considers Enhanced Funding and Policy for USDA Animal Health Programs in Next Farm Bill

Congress is actively considering increased funding and policy changes for animal health management and disease prevention programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically through the Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). In fiscal year 2026, APHIS managed programs totaling approximately $527 million to execute AHPA authorities, covering aquatic, avian, cattle, equine, and swine health. Historically, animal health provisions have been integrated into the miscellaneous title of the farm bill. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 farm bill) established two new animal health programs, boosted funding for existing disease prevention and management activities, and authorized USDA to develop veterinary training programs at colleges of veterinary medicine. As the next farm bill is being drafted, lawmakers are focusing on federal support to mitigate and manage the risks of animal diseases and pests in domestic livestock. Recent...
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Rep. Michelle Fischbach Remains Optimistic for Year-Round E15 Sales Legislation

Rep. Michelle Fischbach Remains Optimistic for Year-Round E15 Sales Legislation

Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), a key proponent of legislation enabling year-round, nationwide sales of E15, has expressed continued optimism regarding its passage. Despite the House of Representatives passing a version of the bill in May, Fischbach acknowledges that the Senate's version differs, necessitating a compromise between the two chambers. She highlighted the importance of uniting various coalitions, particularly addressing concerns from medium-sized refineries, while noting that small and large refineries, along with the American Petroleum Institute (API), have supported the legislation. Fischbach's remarks were made during the annual meeting of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) in Minneapolis, where she received the ACE Legislative Leadership Award for her efforts in advancing E15. ACE CEO Brian Jennings lauded her leadership, emphasizing her pivotal role in securing bipartisan support and bringing the bill to the House floor.
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Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Regulate THC-Containing Beverages in U.S. Market

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Regulate THC-Containing Beverages in U.S. Market

A bipartisan bill, the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, has been introduced in the U.S. Congress by Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio). This proposal aims to establish specific regulations for hemp-derived THC beverages, creating an exception to federal restrictions on intoxicating plant products. The bill suggests that adults aged 21 and over could purchase and consume hemp beverages containing up to 5 milligrams of total intoxicating THC per serving. It also proposes a three-tier distribution system, similar to the one used for alcoholic beverages, along with mechanisms for taxation and regulation. This legislative effort comes as the market for THC-infused beverages expands in the United States, drawing support from traditional alcohol retail and distribution representatives who seek a regulated framework for these products. The discussion is particularly timely given potential changes to the 2018 Farm Bill, which could significantly restrict the commercialization of into...
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New Jersey Teamsters Endorse Bipartisan Congressional Candidates, Citing Support for Labor Legislation

New Jersey Teamsters Endorse Bipartisan Congressional Candidates, Citing Support for Labor Legislation

The New Jersey Teamsters have announced their endorsements for congressional candidates, backing a bipartisan group of incumbents who have demonstrated a commitment to American workers. Among those endorsed are Senator Cory Booker (D) and Representative Donald Norcross (D-1st District). Senator Booker co-authored the Senate version of the Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA) and voluntarily recognized his campaign's staff union with the Teamsters in 2020. Representative Norcross, a lifelong union member and Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, also co-authored the FLCA and has been a lead sponsor of the Butch-Lewis Act, actively working to protect collective bargaining rights for federal workers. The Teamsters' endorsements extend to other representatives including Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd District), Herb Conaway (D-3rd District), Chris Smith (R-4th District), Josh Gottheimer (D-5th District), Frank Pallone (D-6th District), Robert Menendez (D-8th District), Nellie Pou (D-9th District), LaMonica McIver (D-10t...
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President Trump's Approval Rating Drops to 33%, Lowest of His Presidency

President Trump's Approval Rating Drops to 33%, Lowest of His Presidency

President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 33%, with 64% disapproval, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between August 14-17. This marks the lowest approval rating of his presidency. The poll also indicates a decline in support among his core base, with only 17% strongly approving of his job performance. This data emerged as President Trump participated in a phone interview with his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, for Cohen's 77 WABC show, 'When You Know, You Know.' During the interview, which is the first between the two in over eight years, President Trump dismissed the poll numbers, stating, 'I think that we’re doing really well in the polls, the real polls.' The conversation also touched upon his administration's policies, including tariffs, manufacturing investments, and immigration enforcement, which President Trump described as a 'renaissance' for the U.S. economy.
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Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Like Alcohol

Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Like Alcohol

Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) have introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act on August 10. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived beverages, mirroring the existing regulations for alcohol. The proposed bill includes a three-tier distribution system, along with rules for labeling, advertising, and trade practices. Key provisions also mandate a nationwide purchasing age of 21 and over, strict testing requirements, limits on THC content, and detailed risk warnings. Furthermore, the act seeks to ban synthetically derived cannabinoids and impose a federal excise tax based on the milligram content of intoxicating THC in these beverages. Representative Van Duyne emphasized that this bill addresses the urgent need for clarity in the hemp-derived beverage market, especially with a federal deadline on November 12 threatening to disrupt the industry. Both representatives highlighted the importance of providing certainty t...