House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson said Tuesday he’ll release a farm bill draft within a month and have it ready for the panel’s consideration before Memorial Day.
The announcement comes as other top lawmakers signaled they are closing in on a solution to one of the most contentious parts of the legislation — what to do about climate-focused Inflation Reduction Act spending.
By setting a target date before the May 27 holiday, Thompson (R-Pa.) set the stage for the five-year bill’s first significant move forward. He told agriculture reporters he’s incorporated ideas from committee Democrats and believes the measure will be able to attract votes from the other side of the aisle.
“Without a doubt, we will mark up a farm bill before Memorial Day,” Thompson told members of the North American Agricultural Journalists. The 2018 farm bill expired last Sept. 30, and Congress has extended it for one year.
