Senate Republicans Release Five-Year Farm Bill Expanding Rural Aid and Loan Programs

Senate Republicans unveiled the text of a five-year farm bill on Tuesday afternoon. The measure expands resources for rural farmers and boosts investment in federal farm loan programs while omitting several Democratic priorities. Sen.

John Boozman, the Republican chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said the legislation would increase investments for rural communities and foster a more resilient agriculture sector. “I’m proud to put forward this discussion draft that reflects the input and priorities of Republicans, Democrats, and most rural America,” Boozman stated.

He added that the bill is built for the people who feed America.

The Senate text closely tracks the House version passed at the end of April. That measure overcame internal Republican disagreements over pesticide rules and a proposal for year-round E15 ethanol sales, which the House approved separately in May. The Senate draft largely sidesteps those issues along with animal confinement standards.

The bill does not include the Save Our Bacon Act, introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had warned earlier Tuesday that the measure would remove California livestock standards for out-of-state sales and called it a giveaway to Big Ag and meat monopolies.

“Congress should be lowering food costs, not rewarding the monopolies driving them up,” Schumer said. ” The Senate bill also leaves in place a requirement that will soon force states to cover some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program costs. Senate Democrats have vowed to oppose any farm bill without that provision.

The measure requires at least seven Democratic votes to pass, assuming full Republican support. Boozman said he is working closely with Sen. Amy Klobuchar to gain Democratic backing.