Lawmakers are coming to the realization the 2018 Farm Bill will likely need to be extended by another year, but there is debate on how to fund programs that have already expired.
Washington insiders say talks have a long way to go. Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow says she wants the 21 programs to get funded through an extension, but House Ag Chairman GT Thompson wants to keep pressure off lawmakers as they get the new Farm Bill done. He says it would be January at the earliest before the House could make moves on the new legislation.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is asking Congress to find creative ways to address the spending issues and asking they take action as soon as possible.
