Pass Farm Bill Now
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. House and Senate Ag chairs are trying to find a path forward for a farm bill but still need the votes and language to get there.
House Ag Chair GT Thompson says both sides agree on the need for a farm bill …
THOMPSON … “We need this now. Not a month from now, not a year from now, but it needs to be done now.”
But the question is how to get there, after House Ag passed a GOP bill with support from seven Democrats.
Thompson says he’s working to line up bipartisan floor support to boost chances in the Senate Ag Committee …
THOMPSON … “I think Senator Boozman needs that. This bill’s going to pass, but it needs to pass with strong bipartisan support out of the House. I think that helps Senator Boozman with what he needs to do in the Senate.”
Where Democratic objections to SNAP state cost sharing and MAHA objections to GOP pesticide reforms could be show-stoppers.
Senator Chuck Grassley is betting on a House bill …
GRASSLEY … “If the House passes it, I think we’ve got a good chance. But I don’t think we’ve got a good chance, as hard as Senator Boozman’s working, and he’s working very hard, but I think that we’re going to have to work off the House bill.”
Further complicating Senate farm bill actions are limited floor time and the mid-term election calendar.
