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Conaway again under fire for juggling Farm Bill, Russia probe

House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Conaway is again receiving criticism for his role in the Russia probe while work on the Farm Bill continues.

Last April, Ag Committee ranking member Collin Peterson of Minnesota told Brownfield he had concerns about Chairman Conaway trying to lead Farm Bill negotiations and the Russia investigation at the same time.

Now, Minnesota Congressman Rick Nolan is bringing similar concerns to light.

“He initially had told us that we would start marking up a bill late last year, then it was going to be early this year.  And we had a members-only meeting scheduled for last week which had to be canceled because he’s so wrapped up in this whole Russia investigation.”

Nolan, a Democrat and ranking member of the House subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, says progress on the Farm Bill is being disrupted.

“This is delaying consideration, and that’s not a good thing.”

Conaway took over the Russia probe in March after California Congressman Devin Nunes stepped down amid reports of divulging classified information to the press.