A new Senate farm bill proposal could face an uphill battle after reports indicated it does not include a delay in planned changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, funding. Reports said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman previewed the bill Monday ahead of its public release. Democrats have warned they will oppose a farm bill that fails to postpone a provision requiring some states to help cover SNAP benefit costs.
The disagreement could complicate efforts to advance a new farm bill, as Senate leaders will likely need bipartisan support to reach the 60 votes required for passage. Despite the concerns, a Republican spokesperson for the Senate Agriculture Committee said Boozman has developed a discussion draft that can earn the bipartisan backing needed to move through the Senate. "The chairman will continue discussions with senators and industry representatives while finalizing the bill text," the spokesperson said.
-NAFB