Despite versions of the 2013 Farm Bill passing the House and the Senate, the vital farm legislation appears no closure to becoming law than it did last summer. Like previous instances of agricultural gridlock, political groups looking to use the bill to defund food stamps have stalled the bill.
Food stamps and nutritional subsidies have been connected to the farm bill since the 1960s, when lawmakers saw nutritional programs as a way to fight poverty and boost farm sales. In recent years, however, Republicans in the House of Representatives have held farm legislation hostage in an effort to eliminate nutritional programs.
This intransigence is exemplified by the House’s recent passage of their version of the farm bill. Despite significant concerns from rural residents (many of whom were afraid that separating the farm bill from food stamps would alienate urban politicians and fracture the fragile alliance that has passed all farm bills in the past), House Republicans passed a farm bill that separated all nutritional funding into a separate bill (one that Republican leaders have said they will vote on later this month).
Many House and Senate Democrats are questioning the GOP’s seriousness in passing a new, five-year farm bill. In particular, they have pointed out that the House Republicans have refused to appoint members to a conference committee that would reconcile the House and Senate farm bills.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmloans.com.
Follow us on: Twitter