Partisan disputes between Democrats and Republicans were the ultimate roadblock to a new farm bill in 2023 and those same differences are showing up again in the form of food programs vs. farm programs.
Ag Republicans and farm groups prefer more dollars to boost ARC and PLC support triggers, while Democrats want to protect food programs and climate dollars.
United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) was recently asked by reporters about Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow’s plan to boost crop insurance at the expense of ARC and PLC.
SNAP and other nutrition programs make up close to 82% of the farm bill. Ernst and other Republicans argue that Stabenow and Democrats must return food stamp funding to pre-pandemic levels.
Stabenow mentioned recently that she is ready to work on the farm bill with compromise included, if the other side of the aisle is willing to meet halfway.
The previous farm bill which was completed in 2018 lapsed in September of 2023, Congress then extended the farm bill one-year with outdated crop supports included.
Ag focused lawmakers have routinely warned that farm bill work must be completed early in 2024 with a full calendar ahead.
Now the clock is ticking with other disputes over spending bills, foreign military aid, border security and taxes set to take up precious floor time before the party conventions this summer and fall election campaigning.
