WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a 12-11 vote Wednesday, moving Farm Bill 2.0 toward consideration by the full Senate. The vote gives producers a clearer path forward on legislation covering farm programs, credit, rural development, research, conservation, and year-round E15.
The committee reconvened for a business meeting after recessing August 6, when the bill failed to advance. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky returned and voted yes, helping produce the 12-11 final tally.
Chairman John Boozman said the committee had already worked through all 12 titles before the August recess and returned Wednesday to finish the reporting vote. Staff was then authorized to make technical and conforming changes.
Farm groups quickly welcomed the action, while several organizations urged Congress to keep negotiating. Commodity groups highlighted provisions involving credit, research, trade, Food for Peace, specialty crops, and year-round E15.
The bill now moves toward Senate floor consideration, where lawmakers could offer additional amendments. If the Senate passes its version, lawmakers would still need to reconcile differences with the House before final legislation could reach the president.
Sen. Hyde-Smith Discusses Provisions Included in Farm Bill as It Moves to Senate Floor for Debate
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., took part in the committee vote and discussed the legislation’s key provisions and remaining challenges with us on Thursday’s Market Day Report. The committee approved the bill 12-11 on September 16.
“Yesterday, when I looked at the actual calendar, and I saw it’s actually today, the day that we can get [the Farm Bill] out of Senate committee,” Sen. Hyde-Smith said in the interview.
The legislation, known as “Farm Bill 2.0,” would replace the 2018 Farm Bill and includes more than 100 agricultural and nutrition measures.
Country-of-Origin Labeling and E15
In her interview with RFD News, Hyde-Smith highlighted several provisions important to Mississippi agriculture.
One is mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. The Senate committee previously approved a bipartisan amendment creating a pathway for reinstating mandatory beef labeling, and the provision remains in the legislation that advanced September 16.
“Mississippi’s a cattle state,” Hyde-Smith said. “And, you know, we’re not as large as other states, but it’s very important to us that we got that in there.”
She also pointed to year-round E15 as an important provision in the Farm Bill. The Senate Agriculture Committee’s overview of the legislation confirms that the bill includes authorization for year-round E15 sales.
SNAP Remains a Point of Disagreement
Hyde-Smith said SNAP provisions have been a major area of disagreement over the legislation.
She said Democrats on the committee did not vote to advance the bill and that SNAP provisions could continue to be addressed through amendments when the legislation reaches the Senate floor.
The current legislation includes a one-year extension giving states additional time to reduce SNAP error rates.
Prop 12 Could Return as an Amendment
Hyde-Smith also discussed California’s Proposition 12 and its potential impact on pork producers.
The senator said the issue is included in the House version of the Farm Bill and that she expects an opportunity to address it as the Senate considers the legislation.
“I actually had two pork producers from Mississippi in my office this morning telling me how important that is for them,” Hyde-Smith said.
Rural Broadband Provisions
Hyde-Smith also highlighted rural broadband provisions included in the legislation.
She described reliable high-speed internet as another essential utility for rural communities.
“That’s just the other utility, just like water and electricity, that you have to have,” Hyde-Smith said. “And so we’re very excited that that is in there.”
The Senate Farm Bill includes provisions supporting rural infrastructure and high-speed internet connectivity. Hyde-Smith has also sponsored legislation to reauthorize USDA’s middle-mile broadband program.
Buying American Cotton Act
Another priority Hyde-Smith discussed was the Buying American Cotton Act, which would provide a tax incentive for companies that use American cotton in manufacturing.
The senator said the legislation has nearly 120 co-sponsors and has received support from the White House.
Hyde-Smith said the measure is intended to encourage retailers, companies and manufacturers to purchase more U.S.-grown cotton.
The Trump administration issued a statement supporting the legislation earlier this month.
What’s Next in the Senate
With the Agriculture Committee having advanced the Farm Bill, the legislation now moves toward consideration by the full Senate.
Hyde-Smith acknowledged that additional negotiations will be necessary to secure the votes needed for passage.
“We have to have 60 votes to pass this out of the Senate,” Hyde-Smith said. “And, you know, we’ll get there. It’s going to be painful, I’m sure, on some occasions, but that’s our job: to get it across there.”
