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Congressman Sorenson: “My farmers need a farm bill”

A member of the U.S. House Ag Committee says his constituents need a modernized farm bill.

Illinois Democrat Eric Sorenson says it was the top topic of conversation during his visit to the Illinois State Fair.

“The reference price problem that we have, that was one thing that was hot on people’s minds.”  He says, “Then also the big question, ‘Are we going to get a farm bill, who’s pushing for it? What is the holdup?’”

Sorenson, who voted in favor of the Republican crafted House bill, tells Brownfield the legislation needs to be brought to the floor to further negotiations.

“It isn’t perfect, the way that it is.”  He says, “The CBO score came out. There’s a healthy price tag to it. We need to make sure that as we look forward, you know, we’re not making cuts to things like SNAP benefits.”

He says he’s still optimistic despite a lack of the bill’s movement in the Senate, and the shortening legislative calendar.

“We need to make sure that both sides can come together and pass the farm bill.”  He says, “You know whether that is here in a couple of days that we have to talk with one another in committee in September, or that we get it done in lame duck.”

Sorenson says another extension isn’t ideal but would help give farmers some certainty.  The current farm bill extension expires at the end of September.

AUDIO: Congressman Eric Sorenson