Senate Advances Farm Bill, House Hopes for New Vote

The troubled 2018 farm bill took an important step forward last week. The bill advanced through the Senate Agriculture Committee on a 20-1 vote and is expected to be debated on the Senate floor the week of June 25. The bill revives at least some hope that it could reach President Trump’s desk before current policies expire in September.

The Senate’s farm bill represents a bipartisan re-upping of federal programs ranging from crop insurance to rural development. It comes at a time of anxiety among farmers and ranchers dealing with upheaval in international trade and unpredictable markets.

Vernon Schmidt, executive vice president of the Association, said progress on a bill is encouraging.

“Our bottom line is farmers and ranchers need a farm bill, and they need it now… even if its less than perfect,” he said. “It appears the Senate understands the urgency of taking action now. We hope this quick Senate action will cause House members to also take action, find a compromise which can get 60 Senate votes, and put a bill on the president’s desk this summer.”

As of Tuesday, votes on two immigration bills still stood in the way of the U.S. House giving a second try at passing its version of a farm bill. After the last of the immigration votes takes place, GOP leaders plan to ask the House to reconsider the farm bill. House Ag Chairman Mike Conaway hopes the immigration bill votes will clear the way for passage of his farm bill by the House this week.