A majority of House Republicans urged their leadership Thursday to bring the 2024 farm bill to a vote this year, as pressure grows on lawmakers to end a stalement over the five-year legislation.
In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other GOP leaders, the lawmakers — including Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) — said farmers “do not have the luxury of waiting” until next year for enactment of the bill, given growing economic challenges.
“Inflation has driven production costs to the highest on record, meanwhile commodity prices across the board have fallen precipitously, creating a severe margin squeeze on farm and ranch families,” the lawmakers said.
The holdup on the legislation — already running on an extension after an initial expiration date a year ago — has put the renewal of conservation, forestry and rural energy programs in limbo. The future of farm programs geared to climate emission reductions is also at stake, though not a topic of the Republicans’ letter.
