To the editor,

Why is the Trump administration sending a $20 billion bailout to Argentina while American farmers struggle under tariffs, and federal workers are laid off? 

Argentine President Javier Milei, a close ally of Trump, and a few American hedge funds such as Black Rock and Fidelity stand to be big winners, but not struggling farmers or laid off workers here at home. It’s a bad deal worsening the situation caused by the tariffs. Here is an example of what this administration policy has done. 

China bought $12.6 billion in U.S. soybeans last year, but that number is $0 since Trump’s tariffs went into effect in May. To make matters worse, Argentina reduced its export tax on soybeans at the end of September and China has since bought 1.3 million tons of its soybeans. I’m no economist or farmer, but it seems obvious we have driven one of our biggest customers, China, away have while giving a competitor, Argentina, $20 billion which among other things allows them to lower their prices. 

How does the shutdown fit into this? Wouldn’t everybody do better if a few Senate Dems quickly switched their vote? Dems do bear some blame, but not for voting their conscience against a bill that cuts health benefits. 

Democrats should point out that Republicans control everything in Washington and it is in their ability to end the shutdown. The Senate GOP could have exercised what is called the nuclear option as they have already done for other issues and passed the Republican plan with the 53 Senate votes they control. Or Republicans could have tried something old-fashioned like demand no one goes home until Congress get this worked out. While a compromise is being negotiated, the Senate should also pull back the $20 billion for Argentina and use it to help farmers and those suffering under the shutdown.

Over in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson should have called his own chamber back to work weeks ago instead of giving them a recess. Congress is the only job I know where if things are difficult, you don’t have to show up and you still get paid. One has to wonder if he’s been stalling because he will be under pressure to swear in newly elected Arizona Rep. Grijalva who is likely to cast the deciding House vote to release the Epstein files? Ignore the hot air and excuses. He should get on with more important issues like ending the shutdown, protecting American health care and stopping the Argentine bailout. If the Epstein files come out, let the chips fall where they may for Republicans and Democrats alike. 

The moment is long past for Congress to debate this counterproductive $20 billion Argentina bailout. It’s time to help farmers and put our laid off federal employees back to work. 

Dan Woll

River Falls