WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The House Agriculture Committee advanced a bipartisan five-year Farm Bill early Thursday after a marathon markup, sending the legislation to the House floor with support from all Republicans and seven Democrats.
The measure passed 34-17 following more than 20 hours of debate across two days, marking significant progress toward updating federal farm policy that has operated under extensions since the 2018 farm bill expired.
Supporters say the legislation strengthens the farm safety net, expands rural investment, and improves access to credit, while critics argue it falls short of addressing declining farm income, rising costs, and export challenges.
Major farm and commodity organizations welcomed the committee action, saying producers need updated policy tools as margins tighten and market uncertainty continues across agriculture.
The committee last approved a farm bill in 2024 that never reached the House floor, and lawmakers now face a more difficult path toward final passage as negotiations shift to the full House and Senate.
