By Kerry Lynch, manager of communications and federal affairs, Michael Torrey Associates
As the clock winds down before the midterms, Congress must address a few important priorities. Top-of-mind for farmers is the farm bill, set to expire Sept. 30. The issue of immigration has also entwined itself in the House farm bill process but the House farm bill could get another vote soon. A vote on the Senate’s farm bill is also expected sometime in June. The farm bill has become even more important given the ongoing and escalating trade uncertainty. To make time to address priorities like the government spending bills, Leader McConnell cancelled most of August recess for the Senate.
Farm bill timing: The House farm bill, H.R. 2, was initially defeated on the floor but there is still a chance for a vote in June. H.R. 2 is opposed by Democrats due to changes to eligibility and work requirements to SNAP. Freedom Caucus members say they will oppose the farm bill until there is a vote on conservative immigration priorities. Moderate Republicans focused on finding a solution to DACA are attempting to force a vote on four competing proposals. House GOP leaders are trying to find a compromise, balancing adding Freedom Caucus votes to the farm bill while maintaining support from moderates. The House has until June 22 to bring H.R. 2 back up for a vote as amended, with no additional amendments allowed. This process could become further delayed.
The Senate Agriculture Committee released its farm bill with bipartisan support. The Senate bill does not make wide-sweeping changes to farm or nutrition programs. The Committee advanced the bill through markup on June 13. Leader McConnell was present at the markup and reiterated his intent to bring the farm bill up for a vote on the Senate floor before the Fourth of July.
Immigration: As seen above, immigration has become a sticking point in the farm bill process. The House Freedom Caucus supports House Judiciary Chairman Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) Securing America’s Future Act (SAFA). This bill includes border security and enforcement measures, places new limits on immigration, addresses DACA and establishes a new year-round ag guest worker program. After weeks of negotiations, Speaker Paul Ryan announced that the House will vote on two different immigration packages the week of June 18. SAFA is the first bill that will be considered. The second package will likely include President Trump’s priorities. We do not know if it will contain relief for farmers struggling to find and retain workers. The path forward for these bills is murky, but these votes mean that the immigration discharge petition supported by moderate Republicans and Democrats is not expected to move forward in the near future. Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-NC) has said conservatives will support the House farm bill after SAFA receives a vote, which may jumpstart that process again.
Trade: NAFTA renegotiations have stalled since the announcement that the U.S. would place tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from Canada, Mexico and the E.U. Leaders on Capitol Hill have joined the agriculture and manufacturing communities in opposing the tariffs. In response to the U.S.’ action, Canada and Mexico announced retaliatory tariffs. Canada targeted $12.8 billion in U.S. goods starting July 1, including products like yogurt. Mexico’s long list includes fresh and powdered cheeses. USDA Secretary Perdue said the Administration would take measures to protect farmers from negative impacts due to lost markets, but details have not been announced.
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