WHAT HAPPENED: The Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday released a “discussion draft” of the Senate’s farm bill. The draft largely mirrors the House-passed Farm, Food, and National Security Act (H.R. 7567) but omits several of the House bill’s provisions — including the pesticide labeling preemption, year-round E15 sales, and a provision addressing California’s Prop 12.
WHY IT MATTERS: The House-passed bill included the broadly popular provision — by a vote of 384–35 — allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken with their benefits. NCC continues to advocate for this provision to be included in the legislation.
WHAT’S NEXT: Sen. Boozman has said he plans to hold a markup after the July 4 recess and before the annual Congressional August recess. House Ag Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) said he was encouraged by the text and looks forward to working with Boozman to get a farm bill to the President’s desk. With the current extension expiring September 30, NCC will continue to monitor the Senate’s progress and advocate for the rotisserie chicken provision and other industry priorities as the bill advances.
Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR). Source: Brent Barnett/Brownfield
