Both chambers have released overviews of their respective farm bill packages.
House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) said, “This bill is a product of an extensive and transparent process, which included soliciting feedback from members of both political parties, stakeholder input from across the nation, and some tough conversations. Each title of this farm bill reflects a commitment to the American farmer and viable pathways to funding those commitments, and is equally responsive to the politics of the 118th Congress. The Committee on Agriculture will mark up this bill on May 23, and I hope for unanimous support in this endeavor to bring stability to producers, protect our nation’s food security and revitalize rural America.”
You can read the House farm bill overview here.
Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) also released her version of the legislation. “This is a serious proposal that reflects bipartisan priorities to keep farmers farming, families fed, and rural communities strong,” she said. “The foundation of every successful Farm Bill is built on holding together the broad, bipartisan coalition of farmers, rural communities, nutrition and hunger advocates, researchers, conservationists, and the climate community. This is that bill, and I welcome my Republican colleagues to take it seriously and rejoin us at the negotiating table so we can finish our work by the end of the year. Farmers, families, and rural communities cannot wait any longer on the 2024 Farm Bill.”
You can read the Senate farm bill overview here.
Ranking Member of the Senate ag committee John Boozman (R-AR) issued a statement regarding Stabenow’s release, saying:
“Chairwoman Stabenow and I have had several conversations about getting our ideas down on paper, so the release of the majority’s framework is a welcome development. My colleagues and I will be soliciting input from stakeholders as we consider these ideas alongside the approach we have constructed in our framework, which will be released after the House considers its bill in the coming weeks. With Chairwoman Stabenow releasing a framework that reflects Senate Democrats’ priorities, and Chairman Thompson’s work to advance legislation out of committee this month, I’m optimistic that real progress on the farm bill can still occur this Congress.
Our actions must reflect the realities in farm country. Farmers are facing challenging times that, by every metric, are likely to continue in the coming years. Considering the farm bill only comes around every five years, we must ensure we do right by our farmers and make meaningful investments in the risk management tools they rely on to weather the storm.”
Bill mark-up for the House version is May 23. As of press time, the Senate has not scheduled their work session. If you have questions, call the office at 806-792-4904.