Reason: Whenever the scores are released, they could show another hefty increase for food and nutrition spending, paid in part by the way her bill alters the Title I safety net programs. Also, questions are being raised about the alleged $5 billion Stabenow says she received via a commitment from Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Finance Committee sources say they have no information about this funding being given to the farm bill.
Says one farm bill veteran: “There’s no shortage of Senate money for climate and nutrition but the cupboard’s bare for farmers. Underserved farmers get an extra share of the crumbs in the bill for farmers. An extension is better than this.”
Of note: Stabenow is spinning that she has some Senate GOP support. That could be challenged when as expected ranking member John Boozman (R-Ark.) releases his counter proposal which is expected, like the House version, to show reinvestments for safety net programs, crop insurance and trade market development.
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