For the past two years, President Biden has been in the Oval Office and the Democrats had the majority in the House and Senate. Republicans took control of the House in Tuesday’s election. Public policy consultant and lobbyist James Callan said this scenario will influence the legislative agenda. “I think it will be difficult for the administration, if not impossible, to get anything major done.” If the Republicans win the majority in Congress, the chairmanship of the House Agriculture Committee would shift from current Chairman David Scott of Georgia to G.T. Thompson of Pennsylvania. Callan believes Thompson would change the direction of the committee. “His priorities would be on dairy, forestry, nutrition from an oversight perspective and crop insurance,” said Callan. “Mr. Scott has focused on climate, racial equity and Southern commodities so I think there will be a significant differences in their approach and priorities.” Thompson has already discussed an ambitious timeline for the farm bill, completing the legislation before its expiration at the end of September. Callan leads a public policy firm in Washington, D.C. and represents Midwestern farm groups.
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