Farm Bill Extension-Newhouse Pt 2

From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. Getting a new Farm Bill done was pushed into next year when an extension of the existing Farm Bill was granted.

U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says while we won’t know for sure until the session actually gets underway, people should expect Farm Bill action early in the new year …

NEWHOUSE … “I would caution people from getting too concerned about the new September deadline and just know that there’s a commitment on many of us to get it done much sooner in the new year.”

But Newhouse says it is Congress, so it probably won’t be easy …

NEWHOUSE … “You’re right, it’s always a heavy lift to get the Farm Bill passed it seems. Every five years it’s very difficult, but it’s one of those bills that almost because of the nature, parts of the Farm Bill have to be bipartisan.”

Newhouse says getting a Farm Bill completed is very important on both sides of the aisle ...

NEWHOUSE … “There is a sense of urgency on both sides of the aisle to get it done, absolutely. But it won’t be easy. And that’s, unfortunately, why we needed the extended deadline to continue the work.”

Especially, Newhouse says when politics are involved …

NEWHOUSE … “There are, I guess you could say, there are parts of the Farm Bill that everybody can love, but there’s also things that people can find reasons to vote against. And that’s what makes it difficult.”

Newhouse says we all have to eat, so the Farm Bill impacts all Americans, both rural and urban, so this important legislation must be carefully crafted.