Washington Weekly is IDFA’s new update curating policy news from the nation’s capital. This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $50 million fluid milk purchase to feed the hungry, U.S. Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue announced more reorganization efforts; farms and how the new tax deductions will affect them; and the United States Senate prepares for the confirmation hearing of President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.

IDFA/MilkPEP: USDA Purchases Milk to Help Combat Hunger

USDA announced it will purchase, for the first time ever, $50 million in pasteurized fluid milk to benefit Americans in need who do not have regular access to milk. The milk will be distributed through food assistance programs and food banks, such as those under Feeding America – the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. USDA is expected to purchase between 12-15 million gallons of fat-free, low-fat (1 percent), reduced-fat (2 percent) and whole milk as part of this nationwide initiative. According to the department, the announcement is not part of the funding allocated to support farmers and producers negatively impacted by unfair trade practices. More information is available here.

Perdue to Move Two Sub-Agencies of USDA Out of DC

Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue announced that two agencies under the USDA, the Economic Research Service (ERS), which forecasts trends, market stability and emerging issues in agriculture and food, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which administers federal funding for scientific projects that promote solutions to everyday farming issues, will be moved outside of the D.C. area last week. Perdue said that the move saves on employment cost and rent and will assist in recruiting and retaining highly qualified agriculture staff. You can read more of the details on Perdue’s reorganization efforts here.

The New Tax Deductions’ Effects on Farms

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced several regulations proposing a new 20 percent deduction for Pass-Through entities. These entities include partnerships or sole proprietorships. With this new deduction, businesses made up of more than one entity may be aggregated to claim this new deduction, which is as low as the new 35 percent corporate tax rate. However, there may be some exceptions impacting dairy farmers and their assets. You can read more here.

Supreme Court Nominee Hearings Confirmed for September 4

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, announced that confirmation hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh will begin on Tuesday, September 4. The hearings will last approximately three or four days. Washington is abuzz about whether the Republican 51-49 majority over Democrats will be enough to confirm President Trump’s second Supreme Court nominee. You can read more information about the hearings and what to expect here.