Sen. Deb Fischer
There is an economic crisis facing the nation’s agriculture producers, who immediately need long-term solutions to the challenges they face, according to U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), who is sponsoring a bipartisan bill that could open up new market opportunities for them.
“Mr. President, time is running out. We need to turn this around. We need strong, positive action,” she said during an Oct. 6 speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. “Ensuring our farmers can weather tough economic times must be a national priority. It’s clear farm aid is needed at this time.”
Sen. Fischer pointed out that producers of corn, soybeans, and other top commodities are under crushing pressure, noting that since 2020, seed costs have jumped 18 percent, fuel and oil are up 32 percent, fertilizer has spiked 37 percent, and interest expenses have surged 73 percent.
While Congress passed $10 billion in farm aid last December and included a boost for producers in July’s reconciliation law, Sen. Fischer said that the funds won’t reach farmers until next fall and producers need relief now.
One of the fastest ways to deliver results, she said, is by unlocking year-round access to E15 — a clean, American-made biofuel.
“Permanent nationwide access would increase corn demand by 2.5 billion bushels a year. It would lower gas prices for families. And it would drive new revenue into rural communities,” she said.
The senator on Feb. 13 sponsored the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, S. 593, alongside 13 original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
If enacted, S. 593 would amend the Clean Air Act to address the limitations on Reid Vapor Pressure (a measure of gasoline’s volatility) that are placed on gasoline during the summer ozone season.
Specifically, the bill would apply the waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements that is applicable to gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15). This change would allow such gasoline to be sold year-round, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
The bill remains under consideration by the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
“By securing strong trade deals and building new markets through year-round E15, we can revitalize the farm economy, bolster U.S. energy security, and ensure America’s producers can keep feeding and fueling this nation for generations to come,” said Sen. Fischer.