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House Farm Bill stalemate signaled by Ranking Member Peterson

The Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee is signaling a stalemate that will likely stunt progress on the 2018 Farm Bill.

Congressman Collin Peterson of Minnesota issued a statement Tuesday, saying he and the other Democratic members of the Committee are unanimous in their opposition to policies being advocated by the Majority on the nutrition title.

Calling changes proposed by Republicans to the SNAP program extreme and partisan, Peterson says the objection by Democrats will not change.

Also Tuesday, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue took time out of his Ag Day celebration speech to encourage lawmakers to keep the Farm Bill on track.

“I would be a huge advocate for a 2018 Farm Bill, not a 2019 or 2020 Farm Bill.”

Perdue remains optimistic, suggesting a timely Farm bill is attainable because it mostly builds on current legislation.

However, the Ag Secretary concedes politics often slow the process.

“2018 is an even-numbered year, and we have things happen in this country in even-numbered years.  That’s elections, and the Farm Bill unfortunately can’t totally overcome the politics that gets involved in the Farm Bill.”

The House Ag Committee is at odds over proposed changes to the SNAP program by Republicans, including expanded work requirements for recipients.

 

*Audio courtesy of USDA*