By: NATHAN STUEDLE
The Senate Agriculture Committee has postponed action on a new Farm Bill after lawmakers failed to reach a bipartisan agreement Thursday. The committee rejected the Republican proposal in a 10-to-11 vote, with disagreements over changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, proving to be the biggest obstacle. Democrats pushed for a two-year delay before states begin sharing SNAP benefit costs, while Republicans offered a one-year delay.
Committee Chair John Boozman recessed the markup and said lawmakers will continue negotiations, with the possibility of reconvening later this year. The committee did approve several amendments, including provisions moving the Food for Peace program to USDA and allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken.