House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Conaway hinted he would be open to splitting the Farm Bill ahead of the 2018 cycle. The Texas Republican said he is “committed to getting both sides of the Farm Bill extended on time” following a meeting examining the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Conaway says the process is to be determined but said “If it’s together, great. If it’s separate, great. Whichever is the easiest path,” when asked about farm bill negotiations in the next Congress. Politico says the controversial idea is opposed by many farm and anti-hunger groups. Before the election, Farm Bill talks were expected to start sometime in early 2017.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.