The last U.S. major spending package on agricultural issues, known as the “farm bill,” is set to expire in September. Lawmakers and interest groups are already wrangling to legislate the new major funding bill as the deadline approaches.
The bill, which passed in 2018 is set to largely expire Sept. 30 of this year. The new authorization will likely include spending on environmental and climate issues, trade, possibly topping a trillion dollars.
“With so many new members of Congress that have never gone through a Farm Bill process before, it’s important that farmers and ranchers connect with lawmakers to help them understand how important and wide-ranging the impacts of the Farm Bill are,” Matt Hargreaves from the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, told The Center Square. “And it’s really more than ‘just’ a farm bill, as it impacts nutrition for many in critical need, it represents national security by ensuring a safe and affordable domestic food supply.”
Experts expect the bill to last about 5 years, though a one-year extension would be possible as well, especially if lawmakers are unable to strike a deal and want to push the issue down the road. However, that would also put the vote close to election day, something many lawmakers will not be inclined to do.
"One of the things I'm hearing from farmers is we need a five-year farm bill, not a one-year extension," Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sen. Grassley said he tells farmers that it is on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's agenda.
Source: thecentersquare.com
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy, Pennsylvania, Government & Policy