Farm Bill and Politics
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Another nail in the GOP farm bill’s coffin as top House and Senate Democrats say it undermines passing a five-year bill by splitting the farm-food coalition.
It was a follow-up to earlier comments by top House Ag Democrat David Scott that the GOP’s bill is not bipartisan and can’t pass the way it is, especially with tighter SNAP requirements …
SCOTT … “Whether you call it a cut, or a reduction of future benefits, Democrats oppose it.”
Longtime Senate Ag Republican Chuck Grassley tried to put his best spin on the situation …
GRASSLEY … “While I’m not optimistic about the prospects, I hope that we can see some productive legislating in the coming weeks.”
That depends largely on whether Democrats expect to take back the House, and Republicans the Senate …
GRASSLEY … “The possibilities of a Republican Congress and a Republican president puts off the possibilities of getting a bill this year, but that wouldn’t be the main reason for doing it.”
Which Grassley claims is Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer …
GRASSLEY … “Schumer doesn’t have it on the 17 things he wants to do yet this year. And secondly, he set out a calendar before Christmas of only 125 days that the Senate’s meeting.”
But Grassley cautions that a week is a “lifetime” in politics, and anything can change, which is why all eyes are on the House Ag Committee this week.
