House Agriculture Republicans released their version of the farm bill Friday afternoon, setting up partisan clashes over nutrition and pesticide programs.
The 800-page bill covers agriculture, conservation and energy measures that didn’t make it into the GOP’s reconciliation law. It’s not expected to get widespread Democratic support as the legislation adheres closely to the partisan farm bill the panel passed in 2024, which only garnered support from a handful of Democrats.
“This bill provides modern policies for modern challenges and is shaped by years of listening to the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural Americans,” House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson (R-Pa.) said.
The panel will mark up the bill on Feb. 23 and is expected to go at least through Tuesday, which is the State of the Union, or Wednesday.
This legislation won’t become law, but it more officially sets off farm bill talks. Senators are looking to take the bipartisan portions of the bill for their own negotiations. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) has said he would take out any contentious measures.
