The House Agriculture Committee has sent a clear message to industry groups, urging them to back the $300 billion in nutrition spending cuts within its megabill or risk losing the $60 billion in farm bill investments already included in the package. Policy Director Trevor White emphasized this urgency, warning that without strong support for the package, there may be no path forward for the remaining farm bill provision.
White’s email, which was obtained by POLITICO, urged agriculture lobbying groups to make “statements of support” and conduct “direct outreach to members off the committee” as the farm bill moves through the reconciliation process. This outreach is seen as crucial, as some fiscal hawks in Congress—who often oppose major farm subsidies—typically vote against the major provisions of the farm bill. White also asked groups to report any supportive statements and lobbying efforts to committee staff.
House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson has also expressed hopes for passing a separate farm bill this year to update policies that were left out of the megabill. However, the situation remains uncertain, as Democrats have threatened to block support for the cuts to SNAP spending being pursued as part of the GOP’s party-line package. Thompson has said he wants to spearhead a “skinny,” budget-neutral farm bill later this year, but only if Republicans can pass the expensive farm safety net programs through the reconciliation process.
Democrats have made it clear they will not support a separate farm bill this year if the cuts to SNAP spending proceed, according to reports. This ultimatum from Democrats has further complicated the House Agriculture Committee’s efforts to move the farm bill forward. As the process unfolds, the committee is hoping to secure strong support from industry groups and lawmakers to ensure the survival of key programs included in the farm bill.