Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Representative Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture will approve measures to assist farmers in response to ongoing trade negotiations. Included will be up to $12 billion in assistance through the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act expected to target producers of soybeans, sorghum, corn, wheat, cotton, dairy, and others.

“While this package is welcome news for Kansas farmers and ranchers, this is a short-term fix for a long-term issue,” said Rep. Estes. “We need to continue working toward long-term solutions to support our agriculture industry by passing the Farm Bill and pursuing free and fair trade. The current unrest and fluctuation in the commodities markets are hurting, rather than helping, farm families who are already stretched thin. While I support President Trump’s desire to negotiate a level playing field with our trade partners, we need a targeted approach that embraces free and fair trade over tariffs and protectionism.”

More information on the announcement can be found here.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.