Senate committee approves farm bill

The Senate Agriculture Committee voted Wednesday to advance a long-term farm bill to the full Senate, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing the measure.

Democrats blocked on SNAP amendment

Senate Republicans previously blocked a Democratic amendment that would have delayed a cost shift to states for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by two years.

Minnesota faces $140 million cost

The bill would require Minnesota counties to pay an estimated $140 million in administrative costs tied to SNAP without addressing planned cuts to the program.

Bill includes E15 fuel and labeling

The approved bill includes year-round sale of E15 fuel and mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, along with expanded producer access to credit.

Hoeven's provisions address farm needs

The bill includes measures Hoeven authored, such as the PACE Act increasing Farm Service Agency loan limits and the BINS Act adding fertilizer storage to farm loan programs.

“Our farmers and ranchers are facing real challenges right now and this Farm Bill provides vital tools that our producers have been asking for”

Smith doubts bill will pass Senate

Senator Tina Smith said the bill won't gain enough support to pass the full Senate and that Democrats cannot support a farm bill that doesn't delay the SNAP cost shift.

“I'm disappointed that, once again, Republicans have pursued a partisan path on the Senate Farm Bill”