Debt Ceiling Debate, Presidential Politics May Influence Farm Bill Schedule

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar remains optimistic the farm bill can be completed this year. If the legislation lapses into next year, it could get bogged down by presidential politics. The current debt ceiling debate may also influence the farm bill process. “With that drama extended, it just takes up everyone’s bandwidth,” said Klobuchar. “You could fall behind on the farm bill and if it is allowed to lapse, it could really hurt the economy in Rural America. That’s a very good question because I think it could mess with the timing and would mean that farm payments weren’t going out.” Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow is not seeking reelection in 2024 and Klobuchar would be next in line for that role.