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Midterm elections expected to narrow legislative window

The top lobbyist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the mid-term elections will likely impact legislative priorities.  

Ethan Lane, senior vice president of government affairs says there’s a very narrow window to get anything accomplished. “From now to May is the opportunity in a midterm election year to do that,” he says. “And that’s the biggest difference you see. Next year, out of a midterm, you have a lot more running room throughout the course of the year to advance a piece of legislation.”

He tells Brownfield in a normal year, the goal would be to wrap up legislative business in the middle of summer and then finish any lingering priorities in September.  “When you get to August recess, effectively, they’re going to be in session two weeks between that August recess start date and the election,” he says. “That’s a remarkable amount of time for them to be out of session, but at the same time, a recognition of the fact that that’s where everyone’s focus is going to be.” 

Lane says he doesn’t expect to see a lot of legislation move this year, but he would like the administration to tackle some of the regulatory burdens facing farmers and ranchers.

AUDIO: Ethan Lane, NCBA