The Farm Bill Deadline is next Saturday the 30th of September. As of right now, not only does it look like we won’t get it done before next week, but we may also not even get it done before next year. That is the worst-case scenario, as we look at what will likely be a temporary patch job by extending it into the early part of next year. However, if it still proves that it isn’t enough time, a one-year extension could be in the works. This comes on the heels of optimism that the bill could be done on time, as late as just a few weeks ago.
So, what is happening?
The quick answer would be gridlock. Partisan grandstanding between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA 20th). This includes political infighting and back-biting amongst House Republicans and leadership in both chambers and in the White House that is content with leaving bills languish in committees than get any work done.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst tells Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network that she is not feeling at all optimistic about the future of the Farm Bill.
Senator Ernst says the elephant (and probably the donkey) in the room is the spending bill and the yearly fiscal activity in Congress. She explains why it is important that the bill moves forward, even though it is heading back to subcommittees.