Image courtesy of the office of Tracey Mann

Kansas Congressman Tracey Mann says the ongoing government shutdown is creating problems for families, farmers, and federal workers across the state. Without an agreement, many federal offices have been forced to close.

Mann said it’s important for both parties to work together to reopen the government soon. He noted that local USDA and Farm Service Agency offices are especially important during harvest season.

“With those offices closed, farmers can’t finish needed paperwork like yield reports or loan renewals,” Mann said. “That slows things down at a busy time.”

Mann hopes Congress can finish all 12 government funding bills by the end of the year, including funding for agriculture and veterans’ programs. He explained that the MilCon VA appropriations bill supports veterans’ programs and benefits, and there is broad agreement on what that funding should include. Mann said finalizing that legislation would help ensure veterans continue receiving the support and stability they deserve once the government reopens.

He added that low crop prices and trade issues are still tough on farmers. Mann said finishing the farm bill would help give producers more stability heading into next year.