Crucially, the immediate release of the trade aid package is currently obstructed by the ongoing government shutdown. As reported by AgWeb’s Michelle Rook, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden confirmed that the money cannot be dispersed until the federal government is fully reopened due to a lack of appropriations. Vaden emphasized that this delay affects all forms of federal assistance, including aid to farmers, highlighting the systemic bottleneck created by the lack of a budget.

The final scope and size of the trade aid package remain fluid, despite the initial $12 billion figure. Deputy Secretary Vaden suggested that the ultimate extent of the assistance, or “how many lanes that bridge has,” will be directly influenced by how the commodity markets respond to recent international trade developments, specifically the announced truce with China and subsequent export purchases of soybeans, sorghum, and meat. This suggests the administration may temper the bailout if market conditions improve sufficiently.

Adding a layer of complexity to the funding, the USDA recently transferred $13 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)—an account traditionally used to support U.S. agricultural products—to the Office of the Secretary. As reported by Government Executive’s Eric Katz, this move was intended to create a mandatory “Farmers Support Program” for tariff relief. However, the action has drawn scrutiny on Capitol Hill, as the USDA reportedly did not notify lawmakers of the fund transfer, over the objections of career staff who believed such notification was required.