www.agri-pulse.com/articles/2512-washington-week-ahead-behind-the-scenes-talks-continue-on-farm-bill

Washington Week Ahead: Behind-the-scenes talks continue on farm bill

January 14, 2013

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 - Lawmakers in both chambers are expected to continue to discuss how to proceed with a five-year farm bill, after efforts to pass the legislation last year fell short.

The House is set to kick off the 113^th Congress on Jan. 14 when it convenes to consider a disaster aid package for states hit by Hurricane Sandy, and to conduct its traditional reading of the Constitution on the floor.

The House Agriculture Committee does not have any scheduled hearings for the truncated week. According to a congressional aide, ranking member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., is still waiting for a response to a recent letter to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, asking him to pledge that a farm bill would be taken up on the House floor. Peterson said that without an assurance, he has no plans to move a bill at the committee level.

The Senate stands in recess until Jan. 21. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., has said she plans to work on a bill “as soon as possible,” but no timetable has been set.

Other scheduled hearings and events this week include:

Sunday, Jan. 13.

10:20 a.m. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman will deliver the keynote address at the AFBF annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

Monday, Jan. 14.

4:15 p.m. Secretary Vilsack will address the AFBF’s annual meeting.

2:00 p.m. The House will meet for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

H.R. __ - The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Denham / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

5:00 p.m. House Rules Committee on H.R. 152 – Disaster Relief Appropriations Act for FY 2013, H-313 Capitol.

USDA Reports:

10:00 a.m. Livestock and Meat Trade Data

4:00 p.m. U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Tuesday, Jan. 15.

10:00 a.m. The House will meet for legislative business.

Reading of the Constitution of the United States by members of the House of Representatives (Sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte)

H.R. 152 - Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 (Subject to a rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Hal Rogers / Appropriations Committee)