Duckworth Slams Republicans for 'Backroom' Deal Stripping E15 Compromise from Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson secretly stripped a bipartisan compromise on E15 gasoline from must-pass government funding legislation that would have supported American farmers, helped keep consumer costs down, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and protected our national and energy security:

“Republicans like Mike Johnson and Trump repeatedly promise our farmers that they will support American agriculture, but their actions behind closed doors tell a very different story.

“Speaker Johnson’s latest backroom with foreign-owned oil conglomerates doesn’t just come at the eleventh hour, it yet again comes at the direct expense of American farmers and middle-class families—who are already struggling to make ends meet as prices skyrocket under Donald Trump’s reckless policies.

“Prioritizing homegrown biofuels and year-round E15 encourages job growth, ensures future markets for our farmers, strengthens our national security, reduces gas prices, protects the environment and secures our nation’s leadership in the energy sector for years to come. Yet during one of the worst economic and farming crises we’ve seen, thanks to the policies of this Administration, Speaker Johnson and President Trump have made it clear they don’t actually care about our farmers or lowering costs. If they wanted to get this done, it would be done.”

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