Major challenges, including negotiations over government spending bills and the complexity of moving substantial legislation during an election year, are looming as obstacles to passing a five-year, $1.5 trillion farm bill in 2024. Industry groups like the American Farm Bureau Federation are urging House and Senate Ag panels to focus on the farm bill once government-wide spending disputes are hopefully resolved. The timing depends on congressional leadership making floor time available for reauthorization, which is likely to follow committee actions closely. While passing significant legislation during an election year is more challenging, lawmakers often aim for legislative achievements to tout to voters before elections. Even with a short calendar due to the election, securing a five-year bill remains a priority. The potential for partisan conflicts are also starting to impact the bill’s outcome.
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