Upcoming Week in Washington: Budget Battle Looms for House; Tariff Turmoil Takes Center Stage in Congress

House GOP leaders are gearing up to secure passage this week of the Senate-approved budget framework, despite opposition from some deficit hawks. Lawmakers will also have the opportunity to express their concerns about the market turmoil caused by President Donald Trump’s new tariffs.

The approval of the fiscal 2025 budget resolution is crucial as it would pave the way for the budget reconciliation process necessary to advance Trump’s key legislative priorities. These priorities include tax cuts, significant spending reductions, and increased funding for border security and the military.

The Senate-approved resolution, while effectively deferring important decisions on spending cuts, would require minimal cuts initially. However, the House would be tasked with cutting at least $1.5 trillion. President Trump has endorsed the resolution, but there is uncertainty surrounding the magnitude of spending cuts that will ultimately be implemented.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington expressed disappointment with the resolution but indicated willingness to collaborate with Trump and congressional leaders to ensure that the final reconciliation bill promotes safety, prosperity, and fiscal responsibility.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris and member Chip Roy have voiced reservations about the resolution, citing the need for clarity on spending and deficit reduction plans to align with President Trump’s agenda.

Discussions have already begun among leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture committees on how farm bill programs could be incorporated in the reconciliation bill. This includes considerations for increased funding for commodity programs and crop insurance, potentially offset by reductions in nutrition assistance.

In parallel, the Trump administration faces scrutiny on Capitol Hill regarding its new trade policy, particularly the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on various trading partners, including significant importers of U.S. agricultural products. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to testify before both the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, where concerns about the tariffs will be addressed.

Democrats are pushing back against the tariffs, arguing that they disproportionately impact low-income earners. The administration’s openness to negotiating lower tariffs in exchange for concessions will be closely monitored.

The implementation of the initial tariff hikes has already taken effect, with further increases set for specific countries. Senator Tim Kaine plans to introduce a resolution challenging the emergency declaration used to impose the tariffs, while bipartisan support for legislation to restore congressional oversight over trade policy is growing.

Furthermore, a legal challenge has been mounted against the tariffs, questioning the legality of the emergency declaration. The outcome of these legal challenges will have implications for future trade policy decisions.

On the agriculture front, the Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for key USDA nominees. The House Agriculture Committee will focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work requirements in its hearing.

Pork producers are lobbying on Capitol Hill, advocating for labor policy reforms, expanding export markets, and addressing California’s Proposition 12. The industry seeks access to the H-2A visa program for sectors requiring year-round workers.

Numerous agriculture-related events are scheduled in Washington and elsewhere throughout the week, covering topics ranging from animal agriculture to trade policy and environmental issues.

For the latest updates and news, visit Agri-Pulse.com.