The American Soybean Association applauds Congress for reopening the federal government after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate-passed funding measure by a vote of 220-209, and President Trump signed it into law last night.

The legislation restores funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the next fiscal year, prevents a lapse in key Farm Bill provisions, extends the U.S. Grain Standards Act, and ensures continued operation of other critical federal services through the end of January.

“The U.S. soybean industry is grateful for the restoration of federal funding, which will ensure farmers and all Americans regain access to essential government services we rely on,” said Caleb Ragland, ASA President and Kentucky soybean farmer. “Now that the government is open, growers need the federal government to get to work delivering much-needed farmer assistance and advancing other priorities that will help grow demand for U.S. soy, like finalizing biofuels regulations and strengthening trade opportunities. ASA is glad Congress found a path forward to end this impasse and urges lawmakers to keep that momentum going for America’s farmers.”

ASA continues to urge policymakers to build on this progress and address ongoing priorities that support farmers, including implementation of key biofuel programs, measures to reduce farm input costs, and efforts to expand and stabilize export markets.