"House Republicans and Democrats have released two dueling visions for the farm bill, the massive $1.5 trillion omnibus that underpins the U.S. food system.

The contrasting proposals show the fault lines between the two parties’ visions for American agriculture as it is beset by rising supply costs and climate change.

But despite these divisions, there are significant points of overlap between the two proposals: Both support big spending on rural broadband and the high-tech “precision agriculture” it enables; put an emphasis on boosting the trade of American products abroad; and include funding for research at America’s land grant schools.

Now, with a sizable House minority of Republican hard-liners willing to scorch any bill that doesn’t include significant cuts to entitlements, House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Pa.) faces a choice between two difficult options: try to pass a partisan farm bill and risk the Freedom Caucus blowing it up, or pass one that is sufficiently moderate to get Democrats on board."

Saul Elbein reports for The Hill May 3, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"House, Senate Farm Bill Summaries Show SNAP, Climate Division" (Roll Call) [3]