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Farm bill effort stalls in committee over SNAP funding dispute

The Senate Ag Committee has failed to advance its version of the skinny farm bill, in a party line vote Thursday.  

James Glueck, executive director with the Plant Based Products Council, says while provisions within the nutrition title were the sticking point, there was plenty of bipartisan support. “I think that was the spirit that we’ve often seen farm bills written in. I thought that was very encouraging. The final vote clearly left something to be desired in the near term, but it does sound like there is a lot of will that they can agree on and move it forward.”

The Agricultural Act of 2026 failed in a 10-11 vote as lawmakers disagreed over how states would share the cost of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Twelve Republicans voted in favor, but Senators Mitch McConnell and Tommy Tuberville voted as proxy and under Senate rules proxy votes cannot decide if a bill moves forward. 

Glueck worked directly on the 2014 and 2018 legislation in the Senate, and he says each bill has a different story and path. “I’ve got a lot of faith in both the staff and also the members who are committed to moving this forward. I think that’s what we’ve seen with the activity earlier this year with the committee and full House moving it forward in a bipartisan fashion. Today, you heard a lot of bipartisan spirit, but hopefully that spirit can find solutions to this really sticky topic.”

He tells Brownfield he’s optimistic lawmakers understand the urgency to get the measure passed, and the additional demand opportunities it could create. “We saw a lot of bipartisan support for things like USDA bio-preferred program – modernizing that and improving upon it. Some of the USDA loan programs to help build out infrastructure to help create additional demand for folks who grow corn or soy or any other commodity that could be turned into some bioproduct.

Nebraska farmer Logan Bredemeier says it’s hard to stay engaged when the process has drug on this long. “Pull your heads out and figure it out. I mean that’s the very PG, short and sweet way to word it.  Why is it so difficult for us to find compromise somewhere in there? There is give and take in everything, and you just need to get it done.”

Chairman John Boozman says he’s disappointed by the outcome and members have a responsibility to support American producers and blocking the legislation adds uncertainty and hardship.

Ranking member Amy Klobuchar says she’s committed to getting the bill across the finish line and supports many provisions but needs a solution for the nutrition title.

The American Soybean Association says lawmakers need to use the August recess to continue negotiations and resolve the remaining issues.

National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower says he’s disappointed the bill failed to advance because it would have authorized the sale of nationwide, year-round E15.

The Senate Agriculture Committee is in recess until the chair calls members back, which could come after Congress returns from its August recess.

James Glueck:

Logan Bredemeier: