Balance of Power Weekly Washington Policy Pulse: Obamacare, Farm Aid (Dec. 8, 2025)
Dec 9, 2025
Nathan Dean, a senior policy analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, dives into key legislative developments impacting health care and agriculture. He discusses the Senate's vote on extending Obamacare subsidies amid political gridlock. Dean also unveils a proposed $12 billion farm aid package aimed at capital expenditures. The episode touches on the regulatory future of crypto, highlighting stablecoin rules and potential shifts in the market structure. Plus, insights on the Trump administration's AI executive order and implications for the Netflix–Warner merger keep listeners engaged.
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$12B Farm Aid Is A Short-Term Fix
- The USDA will roll out a $12 billion farm aid package focused on trade losses rather than structural fixes.
- Nathan Dean expects more aid in 2026 and a likely focus on capital expenditures by farmers this quarter.
Plan Farm Spending For Q4 Capital Needs
- Expect this aid to be used mainly for capital expenditures in Q4, so plan spending accordingly.
- Consider that additional aid packages and a light farm bill could provide further relief in 2026.
Obamacare Subsidy Vote Faces Long Odds
- Senate Democrats will push a three-year Obamacare subsidy extension but the initial vote is likely to fail.
- A two-year alternative is circulating, yet GOP strategy remains undecided and could let subsidies lapse.
