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Battle lines are already being drawn in the Senate for a possible late May or early June markup of the House farm bill that passed last week. Agri-Pulse says Democrats are prepping for a fight over pesticides and food assistance. Senate Ag Chair John Boozman (R-AR) described the legislation as a “good bill.”
He told attendees at NAFB’s Washington Watch that the most important thing they’ll need to do is increase the credit limits.
“The 2018 Farm Bill was actually based on 2012 data, and the world is totally different now than it was in 2012,” Boozman said. Politico said the successful House vote marks the farthest a farm bill has progressed in Congress since the most recent reauthorization was signed into law in 2018.
“Thursday’s vote came after weeks of pressure from farm-state lawmakers and agriculture lobbying groups that stressed the need to help farmers,” Politico reported.
Senate Democrats are pushing for changes to the newly passed House farm bill, arguing it must better address the economic challenges facing farmers and rural communities.
Led by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the group emphasized the need for stronger support as farm bankruptcies rise and input costs remain high.
“We have been clear that the Farm Bill must address the needs of American farmers and families,” Klobuchar said, calling for policies that expand domestic markets and improve trade opportunities.
Democrats also raised concerns about proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including shifting certain costs to states with higher error rates. They argue that delays and adjustments are needed to ensure fairness across states.
Supporters say a more balanced, bipartisan approach could better stabilize farm income, strengthen rural economies, and ensure producers have the tools needed to remain competitive in a challenging agricultural landscape.
NAFB news service
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