Senate Ag Chair Boozman eyes farm bill markup post-House passage on E15, Prop12, pesticides, labor, USMCA, fertilizer
Key Questions
What is the expected timeline for Senate action on the farm bill?
The Senate Agriculture Committee is eyeing a markup in July or August. Chair Boozman has expressed confidence in advancing the bill before the August recess despite ongoing negotiations.
Why are negotiations on the farm bill currently stuck?
Negotiations are stalled due to Sen. McConnell's absence and an 11-11 committee split. The SNAP cost-shift remains the primary deal-breaker as Democrats hold firm on their position.
What House provisions are being dropped to help secure Senate support?
Closed-door meetings have confirmed plans to drop House poison pills such as E15 and Prop 12 mandates. This step aims to reach the 60 votes needed for passage.
What is Boozman's position on a standalone E15 bill?
Boozman claims a standalone nationwide E15 bill already has the necessary votes. Senate Majority Leader Thune is also crafting a separate E15 measure.
How does the supplemental aid request factor into current farm policy discussions?
Boozman is pushing for more than the $11B Trump request during supplemental hearings. He signals the need for additional farm aid beyond the proposed amount.
Senate eyeing summer markup (July-August); Boozman pushing timeline but House SNAP/pesticide provisions threaten bipartisan support. Closed-door meeting confirms dropping House poison pills (E15, Prop12) to secure 60 votes; SNAP cost shift remains hurdle with Republicans weighing cost-share delay. Boozman claims standalone nationwide E15 bill has votes; Senate Majority Leader Thune crafting standalone E15 bill. Boozman collaborating with Hoeven on expanding FBA and other farm aid. Grassley sees multiple Senate pathways for year-round E15 and publicly disagrees with Boozman's Prop 12 decision. Latest: June 10 oversight hearing highlights USDA progress, fertilizer costs, cotton, and New World Screwworm; nutrition talks optimism despite delays. Additionally, in a supplemental request hearing, Boozman pushes for more than Trump's $11B request, signaling need for additional farm aid. Negotiations are stuck due to McConnell's absence and an 11-11 committee split; SNAP cost-shift remains the deal-breaker with Democrats holding firm. However, Boozman now expresses confidence he has the votes to advance the bill before August recess, citing a loan limit reset based on 2012 data as a key urgency for Arkansas farmers. Boozman is now framing the remaining bill as 'Farm Bill 2.0' focused on rural infrastructure, broadband, and updating farm lending limits.