Behind-the-scenes negotiations continue in Washington, D.C. over a new five-year Farm Bill, but a sharp rebuke from a key lawmaker raises questions about whether current farm law will be temporarily extended through January.
The speaker of the House and the chairman of the House Ag Committee have indicated the House will pass a one-month extension of the Farm Bill by the end of this week. It would keep current policy in place through the end of January.
However, key senators fear another extension removes the pressure from Farm Bill negotiators to get a deal done. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Tuesday said the senate is “not going to do it” — that is, pass another temporary extension.
The chairwoman of the Senate Ag Committee says U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has assured lawmakers milk prices will not immediately spike in early 2014 if congress can quickly pass a five-year Farm Bill in January.