WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The House is moving toward floor debate this week on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the chamber’s latest farm bill package. The timing matters because producers have waited years for an updated bill, and lawmakers are now preparing to sort through more than 360 proposed amendments before final action.
The House Rules Committee scheduled a Monday meeting on the bill, clearing the way for debate on the House floor. The measure is H.R. 7567, and House Agriculture Committee leaders are pitching it as a full 12-title farm bill aimed at risk management, rural investment, conservation, credit, and specialty crop support.
Supporters say the bill has broad backing across the agricultural sector. The House Agriculture Committee posted a stakeholder list showing support from more than 500 organizations, while outside reporting says House leaders have been whipping votes ahead of floor action.
One of the biggest questions now is the fight over amendments. Livestock groups are watching proposals tied to interstate commerce and animal-production standards, while other lawmakers are pressing their own changes before the bill reaches a final vote.
The floor debate will show whether House leaders can keep the coalition together. If the bill clears the chamber, attention will quickly shift to the Senate and to the wider effort to finish a new farm bill this year.
The recent rise in fuel prices has ag leaders underscoring the need for U.S. energy independence, as access to nationwide, year-round E15 continues to receive support from the administration, though the path to making it law remains unclear.
U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his outlook on the Farm Bill vote and the chances of advancing year-round E15 sales and related legislation within the cornerstone ag legislation.
In his interview with RFD News, Rep. Smith discussed the hurdles facing efforts to pass an amendment to the House Farm Bill that would permanently allow nationwide E15 sales, along with his outlook for getting the measure across the finish line. He also addressed his Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, outlining what the bill entails and the feedback it has received.
Smith went on to address pushback from a coalition of independent refiners opposing E15 legislative proposals, and to questions about whether that resistance could influence the future of year-round sales. He also highlighted the benefits of E15 for both farmers and consumers in the current economic climate and shared his perspective on the best path forward to enshrine nationwide sales into law.
Finally, Smith addressed reports of stolen agricultural spray drones in New Jersey, which are currently under FBI investigation, and whether there are broader concerns tied to the situation.
