WASHINGTON, May 3, 2013 – House leadership indicated today that they intend to bring the farm bill up for consideration this summer.
In a memo setting the summer agenda, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., told House Republicans that they will consider a farm bill produced by the House Agriculture Committee and Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla.
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., confirmed the leadership’s intentions in his weekly whip report.
In Cantor’s memo, the farm bill was listed last among expected issues for consideration, but it is still significant because of last year’s refusal by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to move the bill to floor.
Leading up to the August recess, Cantor said he also intends to deal to with the debt limit, appropriations bills, and a defense authorization bill.
“We have a busy legislative agenda planned this summer and our schedule will undoubtedly require further additions,” Cantor said.
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the horticulture priorities for the farm bill on April 24, and is expected to mark-up legislation in mid-May.
In the Senate, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., has indicated that she plans to move a bill from committee in mid-May.
In addition, Cantor’s memo said there will be a House vote on legislation to push the construction of the Keystone pipeline project.
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