Senate Agriculture Committee fails to advance farm bill
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was unsuccessful in advancing the Agricultural Act of 2026 after lawmakers remained divided over provisions affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-PA, criticized Senate Democrats following the committee’s markup, saying disagreements prevented the legislation from gaining enough support to advance.
“On behalf of our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans, I am deeply disappointed in the results of today’s farm bill markup in the Senate Agriculture Committee,” Thompson said.
Thompson said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, R-AR., and his staff worked to accommodate requests from Democrats during negotiations. He pointed to provisions including year-round E15, amendments offered by Democratic senators and a delay in changes to the SNAP benefit cost sharing.
Committee members considered numerous amendments during the markup, but the bill did not receive enough support to move forward. Lawmakers remained divided over several provisions, particularly proposed changes to SNAP. Thompson said work on a five-year farm bill will continue.
“I will continue to find practical solutions for American producers that address modern needs, and I hope my colleagues across the aisle will come to their senses and join Chairman Boozman and me in supporting American agriculture,” Thompson said.
Despite the disagreement, the markup showed areas of agreement on agricultural policy, including strengthening the farm safety net, improving crop insurance, supporting conservation, and expanding market opportunities for producers.
The House on a bipartisan basis passed its version of the farm bill. The Senate must approve its own legislation before the two chambers can negotiate a final package for consideration by the president.
The Senate committee is expected to resume work on the legislation after Congress returns from its August recess.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
