(Editor’s Note: The following column was submitted by Rep. Tom Emmer.)

This week, Congress is away from Washington as we prepare for what’s expected to be a busy spring in session. We continue to monitor the ongoing invasion of Ukraine while preparing to receive the President’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, next week. Our office continues to push forward solutions to help control rising prices and will be honoring our farmers, ranchers, and producers this week during National Agriculture Week.

Losing a Titan 

On Friday, our nation lost a great leader when Representative Don Young passed away after serving as Alaska’s at-large representative in the House for 49 years. Don understood that his role in Congress was a great privilege and served the people of Alaska with his trademark grit. He was a legend around the halls of Congress: his office, full of his hunting trophies, was a landmark in the Capitol.

Ukraine

Every day, we see painful footage coming from Ukraine as the Ukrainian people continue their fight against Russian invaders. Between reports that Russia has used hypersonic missiles to stories of pointed attacks against innocent Ukrainian men, women and children, the world has been fixated on the tragic events unfolding in Eastern Europe.

In Congress, we have kept a close eye on this evolving crisis. Last week, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy addressed members of the House and Senate. His message was heartbreaking, but clear: the Ukrainian people are suffering, and they need our help.

His words didn’t fall on deaf ears. Right now, we are mobilizing to send lifesaving supplies and critical weapons to Ukraine. Earlier this month, I supported legislation to provide additional resources and aid to Ukraine. This funding will go towards a combination of military aid and support for refugees escaping the Russian invasion.

The Ukrainian people are in a fight for their lives. These types of donations will help defend their families and their country from Putin’s invasion.

Celebrating National Agriculture Week 

This week marks National Agriculture Week, when we recognize the important work of America’s farmers and producers. We’ve got some exciting events lined up (keep an eye on my social media to learn more) but before the fun, we must recognize the enormous challenges that our ag community is facing.

Just like every household in America, our farmers are paying skyrocketing prices. Inflated costs on essential items like feed for livestock and fertilizer for crops mean that they are paying more to keep their farms afloat, and commodity prices haven’t kept pace. 

Farm Loans 

To assist with loan-making activities that are critical for annual operation and family living expenses, term investments for equipment and livestock, emergency needs, and cash flow, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency expanded flexibilities to help producers with credit options, including

Where not legally prohibited, FSA will accept FAX’d or scanned signatures from customers and lenders.

FSA will follow the most current state or local guidance for use of online or virtual notary services.

FSA is currently relaxing the loan-making process and adding flexibilities for servicing direct and guaranteed loans to provide credit to producers in need.

Additionally, USDA has temporarily suspended non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. USDA is working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to stop judicial foreclosures and evictions on accounts that were previously referred to the Department of Justice.

USDA extended deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers. In addition, for the Guaranteed Loan program, flexibilities have been made available to lenders to assist in servicing their customers.

Upcoming Tax Filing Deadlines

The federal tax filing deadline is just around the corner. Whether or not you’ve begun to file your taxes, this year’s process might present more confusion than years past. You can find resources to guide your filing process on my website, Emmer.House.gov. For larger questions and concerns, my casework team stands ready to help. You can contact them at Emmer.House.gov/casework or by calling my Otsego office at (763) 241-6848.