The U.S. House will vote on an extension of the 2008 Farm Bill next week. The measure will include livestock and fruit and vegetable disaster aid. House leadership is encouraging members to vote for the bill. If passed – it will be conference with the Senate-passed farm bill after the August recess. National Journal Daily reports that House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas said the bill needed to be passed ahead of the August recess and called this a logical approach. According to Lucas – to provide certainty in the drought areas and to enable an orderly transition from the completion of the regular farm bill – a one-year extension makes sense. Ag Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson has opposed the idea of a farm bill extension – but Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow has asked him to support the extension. She and Ranking Member Pat Roberts are behind the approach.
Source: NAFB News service