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Good afternoon,
It's officially Day 28 and the four-week mark of the federal government shutdown. In Washington, the Senate faces increasing pressure to end the shutdown as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits run out in just a few days and countless federal employees remain furloughed without pay. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet with Senate Republicans after they vote on advancing a Republican-backed funding bill for the 13th time. If Congress doesn't reopen the government soon, it's the American people who will pay the price as fundamental parts of our nation's system and infrastructure crumble.
Here are a few important updates...
TRUMP'S TARIFF BEEF WITH RANCHERS
On October 22, the Trump administration announced a reduction in the beef import tariff, allowing four times the usual amount of Argentine beef to enter the U.S. market. This decision aims to support Argentina's economy following a controversial $20 billion bailout for its soybean industry. However, it has sparked anger among American ranchers, who have been benefiting from record-high beef prices due to tight supply and strong consumer demand.
Despite the mounting frustration within the cattle community, Trump has claimed credit for the recent rise in beef prices. On Truth Social, he stated, "The cattle ranchers, whom I love, don't understand that their success is due to my tariffs on imported cattle, including a 50% tariff on Brazil." He argued that these tariffs, imposed in August, have strengthened the domestic beef economy and that increasing imports from Argentina is now essential to bring prices back down.
Cattle ranchers nationwide are calling their local representatives to voice their strong concerns. A Wyoming-based beef company even posted on X, calling the proposal "an absolute betrayal of the American cattle rancher." This situation is creating internal turmoil within the Republican Party, with some members urging Trump to reconsider his stance. The backlash is challenging the limits of Trump's "America First" policy and affecting his support among rural voters, who once constituted the backbone of his base.
GROWING FEAR OF GAPS IN FOOD AID
As we get closer to November, the future of SNAP is growing more and more uncertain as the government remains shut. Soon, funding will run out with no solution in sight. SNAP supports approximately 1 in 8 Americans, helping them to purchase groceries. As stress and fear due to the threat to food aid rises, officials in several states including Louisiana, Vermont, and Virginia have pledged to ensure food aid reaches recipients in need in their states, even if the federal program comes to a halt next month as a result of the shutdown.
Several states have announced general plans to fill the food aid gap, but the details are still coming together. In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin, announced he was declaring a state of emergency in order to provide food benefits to SNAP recipients. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced he was prioritizing supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children who rely on food aid. Officials in New Hampshire "announced a plan to increase access to food through food banks and mobile pantries." Vermont lawmakers and California Governor Gavin Newsom also said they would be taking action to address the food aid gap.
However, in other states like Alaska, New Mexico, and North Dakota, there are concerns that a federal directive will make it impossible to continue providing food aid at the state level. Time is running out and the impact of SNAP being halted will be devasting for many rural Americans. The food aid program provides an average of $187 per person. Most beneficiaries are low-income or have incomes below the poverty level. It's time for Congress and the Trump administration to stop toying with people's lives. Federal programs like SNAP have been in place for a long time for a reason. The leadership, or lack thereof, that we're seeing today is unacceptable and will have massive, long-term repercussions for our country.
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Each week, this newsletter highlights what's going on in rural states, counties, and communities, and what One Country Project is up to around the country. If you value this content, please consider donating to One Country Project. Your contribution supports our efforts to connect with rural voters and to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
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THE ARENA PODCAST
American Hunters and Anglers new podcast The Arena debuted last week. The Arena is the first new show in the One Country Project Podcast Network as we work to expand our coverage of the voices of Rural America. The first episode asks the question 'Why, and how, is America's public lands legacy at risk?'
Please listen and subscribe to The Arena.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK
12.9%: This is the U.S. ground beef prices record-high surge over the past year, averaging over $14 per pound. Main driven factors include drought, high grain costs, inflation, and shrinking cattle herds as ranchers cut costs. Tariff wars further complicate the price issue for consumers.
WHAT WE'RE READING
Be sure to follow the One Country Project on Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook and Substack, and listen to The Hot Dish podcast.
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