Looking ahead to other action on Capitol Hill, Agri-pulse reports that House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., has said he wants to move a farm bill this month to reauthorize key programs not included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last July. The piecemeal approach follows lawmakers failing once again last year to clear a full, five-year ag measure. The last time that happened was 2018, and the partisan divide since then has only widened.
A “skinny” farm bill is being considered to complete action on parts of the traditional Farm Bill that have not yet been addressed. The pared-down version of the traditional five-year farm bill, designed to address only the most urgent or unfinished agricultural priorities could be brought up this year. A skinny farm bill would include issues that were not covered in recent legislation including the budget reconciliation legislation, aka “One Big Beautiful Bill”, passed earlier this year.
Agri Pulse reports that a federal judge on Thursday upheld the constitutionality of the farm bill’s Swampbuster provision, which puts producers at risk of losing access to farm program benefits if caught destroying protected wetlands. U.S. District Judge C.J. Williams of Iowa’s Northern District wrote in an opinion that Congress has the power to place conditions on federal funding given to farmers.
America Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall told a Senate Committee this week that America’s farmers and ranchers need a new, modernized farm bill, a strengthened farm safety net, and open trading market.
Industry groups are lining up to give their support for congressional action on the farm bill. Here is what the Farm Bureau messaged to Congress this week.
House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson is ready to move another extension of the 2018 farm bill, acknowledging to reporters that lawmakers are unlikely to consider the measure in the lame duck session. “We’re prepared for an extension,” Thompson said.
The 2018 farm bill extension expired on Monday, September 30. Here is what the Farm Bureau is saying about impacts on farmers.
Lawmakers return to D.C. next week for a possible battle over keeping the government funded when the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1. And they also may take up another extension for the 2018 farm bill.
Zippy Duval, President of the American Farm Bureau continues to push for farm bill action. Below is a recent statement he made urging Congress to act this year.