Fund Farm Programs Act of 2025

## Summary The Fund Farm Programs Act of 2025 aims to prevent disruptions in critical agricultural services by guaranteeing funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its programs, even if Congress delays passing the annual budget. The bill would automatically allocate money to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) during fiscal year 2026 if regular or temporary funding measures (called continuing resolutions) are not enacted by law. This ensures services like farm loans, crop insurance, and disaster assistance remain available to farmers without interruption. It also retroactively covers costs incurred during any funding lapse between September 30, 2025 (the end of fiscal year 2025) and the bill’s enactment, ensuring farmers are not penalized for delays in congressional appropriations. Funds would come from the U.S. Treasury’s unallocated reserves and remain available until permanent USDA funding for FY2026 is approved. ## Key Points - Automatic Funding Trigger: If Congress fails to pass USDA funding for FY2026, the bill automatically allocates necessary funds to keep programs running. - Retroactive Coverage: Covers costs of services (e.g., farm loans) that were unavailable during the funding lapse between September 30, 2025, and the bill’s enactment. - Focus on FSA Programs: Prioritizes uninterrupted operations of the Farm Service Agency, which administers loans, conservation programs, and disaster relief. - Termination Clause: Funds are available only until Congress enacts USDA appropriations for FY2026, including temporary or permanent measures. - Flexible Funding Source: Uses Treasury funds not already committed, bypassing typical budget delays. ## Impact Areas - Primary: Farmers and agricultural producers relying on USDA services (e.g., loans, insurance, disaster aid) to manage operations. - Secondary: USDA agencies like the Farm Service Agency, which would avoid shutdowns or delays in delivering critical programs. - Additional: Federal budget process, as the bill reduces the risk of service gaps caused by congressional delays in appropriations. *Note: Terms like "continuing appropriations" refer to temporary funding laws that keep government operations running when full-year budgets are not finalized on time.*