AFBF: HR2 Down But Not Out

Efforts are underway to resurrect the House farm bill after last week’s defeat, triggered, according to some by an unrelated fight over immigration reform.  American Farm Bureau’s Andrew Walmsley said this wild farm bill ‘ride’ in the House isn’t over yet, after 30-GOP conservatives sunk the bill, as he put it, in a bid to win a votes on tough immigration reforms.

"There are a lot of people who are pointing to a vote on immigration that needs to be resolved before maybe we can clear the Farm Bill, so that's something we're working with our experts here on staff, with the Hill, on trying to get to a good spot so we can get a Farm Bill across the finish line in the House and turn our focus on the Senate where they are on track to hopefully unveil their bill here soon and have it marked up in June."

Walmsley says after Friday's vote, the AFBF's attitude is , “It’s a step back but we’re not out.”  When does he think another vote might take place?

"I believe that's unclear, I think there are some procedural questions on the reconsideration of the vote.  You look at the calendar for the House and HR2 is not on it, yet, but there's going to be work through this week, so I think it's up in the air.  There are some folks who are pointing to possibly that first week in June after Memorial Day recess."]

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