By: NATHAN STUEDLE
The 2026 Farm Bill is headed to the full Senate after narrowly clearing the Senate Agriculture Committee. The Agricultural Act of 2026 advanced Wednesday on a 12-to-11 party-line vote following Senator Mitch McConnell's return to the committee. The legislation includes several major agricultural priorities, including nationwide year-round E15 sales.
A major disagreement remains over SNAP. Democrats objected to requiring states with high payment-error rates to share benefit costs. Chairman John Boozman offered a one-year delay, while Democrats sought additional time for states to adjust. The committee also declined to reopen amendments over proposed language addressing state livestock-housing laws. The bill now moves to the full Senate, where additional support will be needed for passage. Boozman acknowledged after the committee vote that more votes will be necessary to move the legislation forward.