SNAP issue stalls Senate Ag Committee farm bill

WASHINGTON — The Senate’s version of a new farm bill stalled in the Agriculture Committee on Aug. 6, and its members will reconvene next month for another vote on the package.

The committee’s vote to advance the bill failed 10-11, largely along party lines with Democrats pushing back against a provision requiring states to help cover the cost of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, asking for a two-year implementation delay to allow states time to reduce SNAP error rates.

Committee Chair Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., offered a one-year delay.

“I’m deeply disappointed that Democrats on the Ag Committee voted against advancing a farm bill earlier today. We have a responsibility to stand with America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Everyone recognizes the serious challenges they continue to face, and blocking the farm bill only adds to the uncertainty and hardship,” Boozman said in a statement.

“This debate was about the farm bill, not protecting the mismanagement of billions of dollars in food aid. I remain committed to working with those who put our farmers and rural communities first on advancing solutions that strengthen agriculture.”

“I am committed to continuing to work with Chairman Boozman on this bill to get it done and there are good things in it for our farmers and ranchers, including year-round E-15,” Committee Ranking Member Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said on social media.

“(A one-year fix) still advantages high error rate states over states with mid-level error rates. A state with an error rate twice that of Minnesota will pay nothing in the second year, whereas states that have reduced their error rates will still be disadvantaged over high error rate states.”

Proxy votes from Sens. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who were both absent, did not count toward the official vote tally.

House Passage

The U.S. House passed its version of a new farm bill on April 30 after the agriculture industry has operated for the past eight years under the previous legislation that included three extensions. The current extension will expire Sept. 30.

The $390 billion Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 passed by a 224-200 margin.

Farm Groups’ Reactions

“While we’re disappointed the Senate Agriculture Committee did not advance a farm bill before the August recess, we understand there is still work to do,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, Illinois Corn Growers Association president and Maroa farmer.

“We want Congress to continue refining the bill to ensure it maintains the bipartisan support needed for passage. That includes strengthening key priorities for Illinois corn farmers while preserving important programs like SNAP that connect the farm bill from the people growing our food to the families who rely on it. Illinois farmers need the certainty of a strong, bipartisan farm bill before the current extension expires.”

Illinois Soybean Growers said in a statement the group is disheartened that the Senate Agriculture Committee did not advance the bill.

“Illinois soybean farmers need the stability that comes with a bipartisan, five-year farm bill, and this outcome further delays much-needed progress,” ISG said.

“Farmers continue to face tight margins, rising input costs and market uncertainty, making passage of a comprehensive bill critical to the future of agriculture. With the last farm bill enacted in 2018, farmers have waited years for an updated framework that provides the long-term stability they need to make decisions and plan ahead.

“ISG urges Congress to continue working toward a bipartisan solution and return from the August recess prepared to advance a farm bill that gives farmers the confidence and tools they need to remain competitive.”

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson expressed disappointment in the failure of the Senate Agriculture Committee to advance a farm bill.

“Illinois Farm Bureau is disappointed the Senate Agriculture Committee was unable to advance a long-overdue farm bill and year-round E15,” Nelson said.

“For years, farmers have operated under extensions of the 2018 farm bill while facing rising input costs, volatile markets and continued economic uncertainty. Illinois farmers need a modernized, five-year farm bill that reflects today’s challenges.

“We urge Congress to work toward a bipartisan agreement and advance a farm bill this year that reflects today’s challenges in the farm economy and E15 legislation that expands market opportunities for farmers.”

The National Farmers Union said Congress is running out of time.

“Family farmers can’t afford more delay, so it’s disappointing that the Senate Agriculture Committee did not come to an agreement on the farm bill,” NFU President Rob Larew said.

“Family farmers and ranchers need the right farm bill — one that addresses today’s challenges and anticipates future needs. That means a farm safety net that accounts for high input costs and persistently low prices, along with stronger conservation funding, and real protections against corporate monopolies.

“We saw some encouraging signs of bipartisanship through this process. The committee voted overwhelmingly to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling and adopted an amendment funding local food procurement programs. The bill also included year-round, nationwide sale of E15, a change that will benefit both farmers and consumers.

“It is essential that lawmakers work together to get a strong farm bill signed into law. Congress is running out of time to get this done. In the weeks ahead, Farmers Union members will continue pushing for farm and food policy improvements to help everyone in our communities.

“That means a farm safety net that accounts for high input costs and persistently low prices, along with stronger conservation funding and real protections against corporate monopolies. It is essential that lawmakers work together to get a strong farm bill signed into law.”