Andrew Novakovic is a professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Science’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. He comments on the failure of the House of Representatives to pass Farm Bill legislation – and whether a bill will be passed by year’s end.
Novakovic says:“The vote was highly partisan. While this was expected, I am surprised at how highly partisan it was. Where one goes from here is indeed a conundrum. The Senate bill remains viable through the remainder of this 113th Congress.
“Regardless of this political strategy, it will be tough sledding to find a new way to package a farm bill that will get the requisite majority support. It will be up to the now chastened leadership of the House Agriculture Committee to find this magical combination. I am not optimistic.
“What does this mean for getting a Farm Bill before the extension of the last one expires? I think the House Agriculture Committee will be lucky if they can end the summer with plausible changes that offer any hope of a positive vote by the House this fall.
“Is it possible that the Congress won't be able to get a Farm Bill done in 2013 at all? Unfortunately, that can't be ruled out. There is plenty of time to complete the legislative process well before December but the trick is finding the new combination of programs that will garner that majority vote in the House and be acceptable to the Senate.
“I suggest we all go back to cutting hay and making yogurt and let this business stew in its own juices for a while. It will be quite some time before this train gets back on the tracks.”
RSS