The Senate voted 75-22 on Thursday to end debate on a five-year farm bill–The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (S. 954)– clearing way for a final vote on June 10. With more than 10 Republicans joining Democrats to vote for cloture, Agriculture Committee members remain uncertain as to whether they will be able to reach a deal on a package of amendments.
Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced that the final vote would occur June 10. However, Stabenow said she was still working with Republicans to reach an amendment agreement and that votes on germane amendments to the bill are still possible, but the package is unlikely to include controversial measures.
To date, the Senate has only voted on a handful of amendments out of the more than 250 that have been filed. The Senate is expected to complete work on the farm bill June 10 either after voting on a handful of amendments or only voting on one pending amendment proposed by Senator Leahy (D-VT) that would establish a pilot program for creating gigabit-speed broadband networks in rural areas. Final votes on the bill are likely to occur on Monday before the Senate pivots to immigration reform.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said that he hopes that House leaders will allow a floor vote on the Senate farm bill this year. “Congress must pass a strong farm bill and do it quickly,” Reid said ahead of the vote. “I am optimistic and hopeful that we will advance this bill.” The House is working on a rival, $940 billion farm bill that cuts spending by $39.7 billion over 10 years, with $20.5 billion of the cuts coming food stamps. The House bill will likely get a floor vote later this month.
