The Farm Bill Stood up Again

The Farm Bill is like a bad dating partner. Every time you make plans to go out, you’re stood up. The excuses for the Farm Bill are less creative, but the result is the same: No date. No Farm Bill.

House Agriculture Chairman, ‘GT’ Thompson, has been clear on his intent to pass a Farm Bill. His Senate counterpart, Chair Debbie Stabenow, is equally committed to moving forward. However, circumstances keep intervening and postponing consideration of the legislation. Fights over House leadership, budget ceilings, and policy priorities have combined to delay and derail consideration of the trillion-dollar piece of legislation. Meanwhile, the 2018 Farm Bill has been extended until September 30, 2024.

Reports that the bill would be taken up in March are now being walked back as Congress needs to finish the up the government funding bills for fiscal year 2024. It appears another continuing resolution will be approved to move the appropriations deadlines to later in March, which would push the Farm Bill further into late Spring or early Summer.

AHC continues to meet with Agriculture Committee Members and staff to keep our priorities in view.