House Extends Farm Bill 1½ Months
The U.S. House of Representative passed an extension of farm law TODAY through the end of January as lawmakers try to finish work on a new five-year farm bill.
The Senate and the House each passed farm bills this year; however they differ on the extent of cuts to the federal food stamp program and restructuring of farm subsidies.
The House passed the extension today amid fears that the dairy subsidy expiration at the end of the year will cause milk prices to rise. But Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has assured Congress that will not happen before the end of January.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the Senate would not pass an extension because it is unnecessary. Some senators argue an extension could reduce pressure to pass a farm bill.
Source: Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press, Dairy Today
