When lawmakers return to Washington, D.C. in September, the so-called ‘skinny farm bill’ is expected to be on the agenda. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith, who is a member of the agriculture committee, is concerned about the timing. “I’m having a struggle with this to tell you the truth, I’m very aware that we only have a few working days in September and I am also very aware of the need to get a skinny farm bill done; I just wish we could fish or cut bait on this and get it done.” Smith said splitting the traditional elements of the farm bill is a risk. She remains upset with the Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill. That budget reconciliation bill included a Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund, but Smith voiced concern it could be distributed on a partisan basis, potentially hurting rural hospitals in Minnesota.
