Senate Farm Bill Stalls Over State Nutrition Costs

The US Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move forward its version of the farm bill due to a conflict over when states will shoulder a share of federal nutrition assistance costs. The disagreement centered around the One Big Beautiful Bill Act policy, which requires states to pay for part of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they have SNAP payment error rates in excess of 6%. Chairman John Boozman amended the bill to extend the deadline one year and added funding for an emergency food assistance program.

The Republican-led committee was without a majority due to the absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized since June. Democrats were able to win the vote against the bill by one vote. Farm groups expressed disappointment in another delay to the farm bill, which has not been reauthorized since 2018.

The Senate version included a provision for year-round, nationwide E15, sought by ethanol and corn producers. However, Sen. Amy Klobuchar stated that she would push for a standalone vote on this policy. Other amendments proposed changes to SNAP error rates and conservation programs.