Syria Gets In Ag's Way

Syria Gets In Ag’s Way. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Line On Agriculture. Congress is back in session but it seems that the latest topic is getting in the way of both the farm bill and immigration. Syria has trumped both. But one longtime Ag Senator says the issue of U.S. military action against Damascus could further complicate an already torturous path to a new farm law. Iowa’s Chuck Grassley says if things weren’t tough enough for the farm bill - they may have just gotten tougher. GRASSLEY: We already have a crowded agenda and that’s going to be tightened up by the President asking for a Syria resolution.   Grassley says the extent to which Syria further delays farm bill action all depends on food stamps. GRASSLEY: If the House feels that they have to pass a food stamp bill before they go to conference it may slow it down considerably because I think this whole week is going to be taken up in the House of Representatives by Syria. Grassley says the farm bill process could be sped up if the House GOP simply agreed to go to conference with the Senate - without first passing a nutrition bill. But GOP leaders appear intent right now on passing the food stamp bill first. GRASSLEY: I don’t think they have an agreement yet for having floor debate on having a nutrition title yet. They’re trying to get votes now for a $40-billion dollar cut. I assume that would have to be 100% Republican votes and that may be difficult. That’s today’s Line On Agriculture. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.