Farm groups have expressed concern that key programs such as crop insurance and disaster relief are under threat when current provisions expire at the end of the month.
House leadership has been reluctant to call the bill for a vote, due to a deep political divide over cuts to the food stamp program, which accounts for 20% of the bill.
Congressman Marlin Stutzman (R-3rd) says he’s concerned that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has grown exponentially and needs to be reigned in. He says house leadership has indicated that its fate depends heavily on the outcome of the election.
“You know, the drought conditions have also created some uncertainty in the ag community,” Stutzman said. “So I don’t think at the end of the day it’s the worst thing in the world that we wait until even harvest is over, get through the election, and then we’ll have a little bit clearer picture for the future.”
Third district Democratic Party candidate Kevin Boyd is against proposed cuts to the food stamp program, saying such a move would take food out of the mouths of children and people in deep need.
He says the failure to pass a farm bill is an example of political deadlock he hopes to help break if elected.
