Farm Bill

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A wide range of commodity groups demanded Saturday that lawmakers oppose a stopgap spending bill unless it includes economic assistance for farmers. The demands raise the stakes for congressional leaders.

Negotiations over a package of market relief assistance for farmers reached an impasse Saturday after Democratic leaders rejected the latest GOP proposal, and several major farm groups called on lawmakers to oppose a stopgap spending bill if the economic aid is omitted.

The road to re-election as the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee looks unclear for Georgia Rep. David Scott, as many members of the panel indicate their support for other candidates. 

Democrats on the House and Senate Agriculture committees are proposing $10 billion in market relief for farmers as the parties spar over an extension of the 2018 farm bill, Agri-Pulse has learned. House GOP leaders, however, have so far objected to the method used to cover the cost of the farm payments. 

Congressional leaders could finalize a stopgap spending bill this week that will likely include another one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, but may lack a package of disaster aid and market relief for farmers.

Year after year of drought and intense heat that have cooked crops in Texas also have fueled a clash between USDA and the crop insurance industry that has spilled over into discussions of a new farm bill.

Lawmakers return this week for the remainder of their lame duck session, facing a to-do list that includes passing a farm bill extension and averting a government shutdown. Also, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy head to Capitol Hill, and a Senate committee puts a focus on FDA and its role in combatting obesity.. 

Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., has joined the race to lead Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee. 

California Rep. Jim Costa is challenging David Scott of Georgia to lead Democrats on the House Ag Committee in the next Congress. Costa says some committee members urged him to consider the move.

Leaders of the House and Senate Ag committees are in active discussions about putting elements of a farm bill in an end-of-the year aid package, including possible new funding for commodity programs as well as crop insurance reimbursements.