Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman, R-Ark., says he’s optimistic about getting a farm bill through his committee before August recess, even without Sen. Mitch McConnell.
“We want Senator McConnell there, but I think we have a product that we can get out of committee, with or without him,” Boozman told reporters Wednesday. McConnell, a Kentucky Republican and member of the ag panel, is out dealing with a health issue. Boozman said his understanding is that McConnell is doing well and focused on recovery.
McConnell’s absence has raised questions on whether the farm bill would have enough votes to be approved by the committee. Boozman reiterated that it’s critical for farmers that Congress pass a farm bill as soon as possible. The goal is to advance the legislation before the Senate begins a five-week recess starting the second week of August, according to Boozman.
The legislation would reset loan limits for ag producers that haven’t been updated since the 2018 farm bill expired in 2023. Those figures were based on 2012 data, according to Boozman. That means farmers trying to invest in tools like farm equipment face excessive costs.
“We’ve got to get those loan limits up, which will really help them with their financing,” he said.
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