Senate Agriculture Committee Releases Farm Bill Draft

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has unveiled her proposed 1,397-page farm bill, which seeks to reauthorize agriculture and nutrition policy while limiting President-elect Donald Trump's access to funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for compensating farmers. The legislation includes a $39 billion increase in funding for a 'farm safety net,' with significant provisions to increase reference prices for farmers, but has been criticized by Republicans as a partisan effort released too late. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) has dismissed the bill as 'insulting' and inadequate, while agricultural groups have expressed concerns about its viability. Stabenow emphasizes that her bill aims to support rural communities and food security, reflecting a bipartisan coalition. As she prepares to retire from Congress, there is pressure to finalize a comprehensive farm bill before the current one expires, with some advocating for its inclusion in year-end funding legislation. The bill also proposes significant funding increases for programs like SNAP to combat food insecurity.