The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” newsletter to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest news from Washington D.C. Check out the January 29th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
Farm Bill Shows Signs of Life: House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) indicated earlier this week that his committee is targeting February 23 for marking up a “Farm Bill 2.0” reauthorization package. Recall that last year as part of the budget reconciliation bill signed July 4 parts of the Farm Bill were reauthorized, including a beneficial provision doubling funding for Market Access and Foreign Market Development programs. But other programs that we care about—including the Wood Innovation and Community Wood Grant programs—were left out of that package and were simply extended through September of this year. The Farm Bill 2.0 effort would include these two items, as well as the Forest Inventory and Analysis program and the Jobs in the Woods Act language. Chairman Thompson hopes to move this package to the House floor in the second quarter.
HF & HFPAC Board to Meet: The Hardwood Federation and Hardwood Federation PAC Boards will meet next week to discuss policy priorities and advocacy activities for 2026. The board will be updated on current efforts to secure an economic relief package for the hardwood industry, the administration’s focus on housing, and the potential of a Farm Bill and Transportation package in 2026. The boards will also consider fundraising strategies for both the Hardwood Federation and the HFPAC.
Government Shutdown? All eyes are on the Senate as they scramble to pull off passage of the last remaining funding bill for FY 2026. The threat of another government shutdown (albeit a partial shutdown) is keeping all relevant parties at the table. The Senate has until Saturday to make a deal. Even if a deal is struck, the House would have to approve any changes to the existing proposal, creating even more uncertainty.
Source: Hardwood Federation