WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he is exploring all options to advance the Farm Bill.
Speaking to reporters at DakotaFest in his home district, Thune said the ideal path would be another vote with Sen. Mitch McConnell in attendance. The Kentucky senator has been away from Capitol Hill dealing with medical issues.
Thune also said the Farm Bill could be attached to another piece of legislation. The bill stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee as SNAP became a major point of contention in the latest vote.
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The Senate also advanced temporary government funding through Dec. 11.
Supporters say mandatory country-of-origin labeling would improve transparency, while analysts say the proposal still faces hurdles.
The setback leaves the 2018 Farm Bill operating under its third consecutive extension. That authorization expires September 30.
The Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to advance the bill means negotiations will continue as lawmakers look for a path forward before the end of the year.
Sen. Roger Marshall says Democrats rejected legislation over SNAP provisions despite bipartisan farm priorities.
