The quest to pass a new farm bill with legislation for year-round E15 hit another temporary roadblock on Wednesday in the U.S. House. Several Republicans joined the Democrats to initially deny the simple majority to bring up the farm bill, year-round E15, and several other controversial bills for debate. Ag Committee Ranking Member Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) was one of the most vocal Democrats against the farm bill and said it would not accomplish what farmers need it to do.
Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), a member of the Rules Committee, said Democrats are to blame for the lack of ag policy funding.
Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), a sponsor of year-round E15, pushed for the inherit benefits of unleashing ethanol sales nationwide.
However, House Democrats objected to the E15 provision, with Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) saying the cost is too high.
Eventually, House GOP leaders were able to convince enough of the Republican holdouts to pass the rule for debate, which, even before the holdup, is expected to go into overtime with 57 amendments on the farm bill alone.
