The Senate passed a bipartisan farm bill Thursday, sending the legislation to conference so the House and Senate can mend their differences. The vote, 86 to 11, capped off a day of consideration on the Senate floor. In a way, the Senate offered a warning shot to the House, tabling an amendment Thursday afternoon that would tighten work requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in a lopsided vote 68-30, showing resistance to similar language in the House bill.
Meanwhile, House Republicans charge it may be difficult to pass a final bill through the House without SNAP reforms. The Senate bill was blocked Thursday morning by Senator Marco Rubio regarding Cuba trade provisions by Senator Heidi Heitkamp, but the two reached an agreement to allow USDA trade funding to Cuba, if it’s in accordance with administration policy, and allow consideration of the farm bill Thursday.
Overall, the Senate bill offers little fanfare in major changes, compared to the current bill that expires later this year. The bill includes Senator John Thune’s amendment to allow partial haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program land, which was approved by voice vote before final consideration of the bill. Included in the bill is Senator Chuck Grassley’s proposal to reform the definition of “actively engaged” in a farming operation in order to receive farm payments. Before passage, the Senate defeated an amended by Senator Mike Lee that farm groups, such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, say “sought to undermine commodity checkoff programs.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.