US House Committee Advances Farm Bill Draft with Minimal Democratic Support, According to Reuters

By Leah Douglas

The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee approved its version of a $1.5 trillion farm spending bill late Thursday, receiving minimal support from Democrats. This move continues the ongoing impasse between the two parties regarding vital nutrition, agriculture, and climate policies.

Significance of the Bill

In 2023, Congress did not succeed in passing a new farm bill, which is an omnibus legislative package typically renewed every five years. The House bill will need to be harmonized with a Senate version pushed by Democrats. Without significant bipartisan backing, the House proposal faces challenges in becoming law.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized in a press call on Wednesday that further delays in passing a new farm bill could lead to uncertainty for farmers and those dependent on food assistance.

Currently, federal hunger programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and various farm initiatives, are relying on a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, which was enacted last September.

Context of the Legislation

The House bill, which passed the committee with a vote of 33-21—including four Democratic votes—proposes increased support for farm commodities while reducing funding for SNAP. Additionally, it reallocates nearly $20 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act, which was originally designated for climate-friendly agricultural practices.

During the committee meeting, House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson stated that the bill aims to "bolster every aspect of American agriculture."

However, Democrats in both chambers have indicated that cuts to food assistance and the diversion of climate funds are non-negotiable issues. David Scott, the top Democrat on the committee, described the bill as "misguided" and "mean-spirited."

While farm commodity organizations have backed the House proposal, it has faced opposition from environmental and hunger advocacy groups.

Key Statement

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat, remarked on the bill’s passage, saying, "Despite areas of common ground, it is now clear that key parts of the House bill split the Farm Bill coalition in a way that makes it impossible to achieve the votes to become law."