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Republican Governors Association Urges Against Short-Term Farm Bill Extension
The Republican Governors Association (RGA) urged congressional leaders on Monday to reject a proposed one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill. With a critical deadline approaching in December, the RGA advocates for the passage of a comprehensive new legislative package instead.
Reports indicate that House Republicans are leaning towards extending the current farm law rather than crafting a new one. This follows the rejection of a Senate proposal last month, maintaining a longstanding impasse between Republican and Democratic lawmakers on key components of the bill, including reference prices for crops, crucial subsidies when prices dip below certain thresholds, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The farm bill, a key legislative package that supports SNAP and various agricultural sectors, is typically renewed every five years; however, Congress opted for a one-year extension in 2023 amid ongoing negotiations.
In their letter, the RGA emphasized that the existing 2018 legislation fails to address the current and future needs of the agricultural community.
“Since the expiration of the latest Farm Bill, conditions have dramatically changed; another year-long extension will leave farmers working under an outdated plan as they continue to face evolving challenges in today’s agricultural landscape,” the letter stated. “Our nation’s agriculture industry is in trouble, and if meaningful support is not provided soon, the well-being of the nation is at risk. Reauthorization of a Farm Bill and immediate assistance in the interim will allow farmers and ranchers to do what they do best — provide for America and feed the world.”
Earlier this year, the GOP-controlled House advanced its version of the farm bill out of committee, while the Senate’s proposal, led by Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), was finalized only in November. Members of the House Republican caucus have reportedly shown little interest in the Senate’s draft, which House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) has dismissed as merely “legacy protection” for Stabenow, who plans to retire in 2025.
Adding to the urgency, news outlets like Punchbowl reported that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) intends to include an extension of the farm bill in a stopgap spending bill aimed at continuing funding for the federal government. The Hill has attempted to contact Johnson’s office for further insights on this development.
Source
thehill.com