Wiesemeyer: House Farm Bill Faces Steep Hurdles

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s farm bill proposal is facing significant political headwinds. According to Washington analyst Jim Wiesemeyer, early reaction suggests the proposal may struggle to gain enough support in the House. “All you have to do is look at the ranking member, Angie Craig, Democrat from Minnesota, comments. She said the Republican farm bill fails to meet the moment facing farmers and working people.” Wiesemeyer notes the legislation will need Democratic support.  “The reason you need Democratic votes is that there’ll be about 40 Republicans, if it ever gets to the House floor, that will vote against it for a variety of reasons,” he said. “So that’s why you have to look to the Democrats. I’m not going to rule it totally out, although I think that we’re looking at another extension by the time the year ends.”