Limited floor time for debate and bill consideration is a common rationale for Congress not to consider must pass bills like the appropriations and farm bills. The unexpected leadership battle in the House – hopefully resolved by the time you are reading this – has delayed the House from formally meeting. Now the tragic war in the Middle East will push other issues to the back burner as the Administration and the Congress determine the best response.
The previous farm bill expired Sept. 30 and its renewal, a process that occurs every five years, remains “in the drafting stage,” according to Hill staff. Senate Ag Committee leaders continue to focus on drafting a bill. Most observers believe with her announcement not to seek reelection next year, Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) will be successful in completing action on the farm bill.
The farm bill and long-term government funding are completely different processes, but GOP House majority infighting over appropriations has stalled other priorities. However, no matter who prevails as Speaker of the House there will be pressure on House members to produce some domestic legislation as the 2024 campaign season starts to heat up.