House Delays Farm Bill Debate Until After Elections

Despite the fact that many of the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill expire on September 30 (including the energy title), the House has adjourned until after the elections without taking action either to extend the current law or to pass a new five-year Farm Bill. The House Agriculture Committee completed its work on the Farm Bill on July 12. The leadership promised to return after the elections to resolve outstanding differences.

According to news reports , the Republican leadership in the House did not believe they had enough votes within their caucus to pass the bill. The main issue dividing them, reportedly, is over how much to cut food assistance programs.

For previous SBFF coverage of the House Farm Bill and the energy title, click here .