The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance its Farm Bill Thursday after Democrats rejected the Republican proposal in a 10-11 vote, leaving the legislation without a clear path forward. Committee Chairman John Boozman recessed the markup after negotiations broke down over changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Democrats insisted on a two-year delay before states begin sharing SNAP benefit costs, while Republicans offered a one-year delay. “I want us to get to a bipartisan agreement,” said Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar. “But first and foremost, that includes addressing this ridiculous SNAP situation.” The committee did approve several amendments, including provisions to permanently move the Food for Peace program to USDA and allow hot rotisserie chicken purchases through SNAP. Boozman said he can reconvene the committee later this year as lawmakers continue negotiations on the overdue Farm Bill.
Senate farm bill stalls over SNAP dispute
