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House farm bill debate begins

 

Debate on the House version of the 2018 Farm Bill has begun.

As expected, opening comments on the House farm bill had support from Republicans and opposition from Democrats.

Ag Committee Chairman Michael Conaway says this bill gives Ag Secretary Purdue the tools he needs to address rural issues.  “The opioid epidemic that is ravaging rural America needs an effective, aggressive response, and the lack of broadband in many parts of rural America put farmers and ranchers and rural communities at a terrible disadvantage.”

 

Conaway also described the need for a strong farm bill, including subsidized world competition from countries like China, and natural disasters like the drought hitting his home state of Texas.

Ranking Democratic Member Collin Peterson of Minnesota says this farm bill fails farmers, consumers, and rural advocates.  “HR-2 fails our farmers.  The bill does not improve the safety net programs farmers need to manage a troubled farm economy.   It fails to make needed increases in reference prices under the PLC program to address the 52% drop in national farm income.”

 

The House will take up more than 20 amendments to consider.  Leadership would like to pass the bill and deliver it to the Senate before the weekend.