News

Congress avoids shutdown, full farm bill extension not included

The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee says a continuing resolution to fund the government that passed Wednesday does not include a full farm bill extension.

“No, not necessary, we’re fine until December 31st.”

GT Thompson tells Brownfield Congressional leadership and USDA determined only a few ag-related issues needed resolved before the current extension expires on September 30th.

“One was the Food for Peace program, which is really important.”  He says, “The APHIS Act is another one of those, and the Good Neighbor Authority for fire suppression, and the skimming reimbursement extension.”

He says Congress is focused on passing a new five-year farm bill in the lame duck session.

“The message that needs to be sent is that we need to complete this farm bill.”  He says, “We’re prepared in November to get the bill out of the House I believe at this point.  Members of both sides of the aisle know that we need this. They know that we’re facing a farm and food crisis.”

Thompson says the lack of a farm bill in the Senate is a hurdle that could be avoided by pre-conferencing the House version of the legislation.  He says Congressional leaders are meeting frequently to find a path forward.

AUDIO: Congressman GT Thompson