The U.S. Senate returns to work with another attempt expected to advance a new five-year farm bill, a major priority for agriculture groups as the current extension approaches its Sept. 30 expiration.
The Senate Agriculture Committee considered the Agricultural Act of 2026 in August, but the measure failed to advance on a 10-to-11 vote. Committee Chairman John Boozman recessed the meeting, leaving open the possibility of bringing the legislation back for another vote.
The committee dispute centered largely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, cost-sharing provisions. Boozman had proposed changes giving states additional flexibility in determining future SNAP benefit cost shares, but disagreements remained when the committee voted.
The Senate proposal would update numerous agricultural programs and includes year-round E15 sales, expanded support for specialty crops, changes to farm credit and conservation programs, and investments in agricultural research and rural communities.
Farm groups are urging Congress to finish work on the legislation, noting that the last full farm bill was enacted in 2018 and has since required extensions. The American Farm Bureau Federation says passage would provide greater certainty for producers facing high production costs and other economic pressures.
The House has already approved its version of a farm bill. If the Senate Agriculture Committee advances its proposal, it would still require approval by the full Senate before differences between the House and Senate versions could be resolved.