GOP farm bill conferees asked to return early Monday for possible meeting

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2014 - Republican farm bill conferees have been asked to return to the Capitol on Monday morning for a possible conference meeting.

A message sent today to GOP conferee staff said one of two things could happen on Monday - either a conference meeting to decide final issues or a Republican conferee meeting to discuss the agreement and collect signatures.

“Conversations are ongoing and we remain optimistic that we can reach agreement in time to be on the floor next week,” the message said. “It is still unclear as to what meetings will be needed for this to reach a conclusion.” The message was shared with Democratic conferees.

The message noted that a conference report would have to be filed on Monday to enable floor action next week. House Republicans begin their retreat on Wednesday.

“We would ask your boss to be prepared to be in town to attend a Monday morning meeting either way,” the message said.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said, in his weekly schedule, that the conference report could be considered on the floor Tuesday or Wednesday.

Lawmakers are continuing to settle differences over payment limits, dairy policy and a few other smaller issues.

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