"As record drought conditions continue to plague farmers and send corn prices higher, some lawmakers are pressing House leaders to bring the now-stalled farm bill to the floor."

"The House Agriculture Committee approved the once-every-five-years legislation earlier this month, but there have been indications that House leaders wouldn't bring the legislation to the floor before the election. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, dislikes key parts of the bill, and many members of his party object to its massive farm subsidies. The bill also cuts $16 billion from food stamp programs, which is sure to spark a bitter battle with Democrats.

But as dry weather continues to hurt farmers, some say the bill can't wait. Led by Reps. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., a bipartisan group of 38 Republicans and 24 Democrats sent a letter Thursday requesting that House leaders 'make this legislation a priority.'"

Kim Geiger reports for the Tribune Washington Bureau July 19, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Citing Drought, Lawmakers Seek Action on Farm Bill" (Tribune Washington Bureau) [3]

"Boehner: No Decision Yet on Farm Bill" (The Hill) [4]

"How Agribiz Bought the Farm Bill" (Mother Jones) [5]

"How The House Farm Bill Guts Important Food Safety Protections" (Think Progress) [6]

"Conservation Groups Closely Watching Farm Bill Debate" (Bismark Tribune) [7]

"Farmers, Ranchers Unsure of House Farm Bill" (CBS News) [8]

"Pelosi Calls for House Farm Bill Vote" (Agriculture.com) [9]

"House Agriculture Committee OKs Farm Bill With Ban on Permits for Pesticide Spraying" (Bloomberg BNA) [10]

"House Farm Bill a Cause of Concern for Many Montanans" (Billings Gazette) [11]

"What's Up With Conservation and the Farm Bill" (High Country News) [12]

"Midnight Egg Amendment in 2012 Farm Bill Escalates Animal Rights Fight" (The Hill) [13]

"Special Interests Spent $173.5 Million On The 2008 Farm Bill" (Think Progress) [14]