By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
United States lawmakers have been working on drafting a renewed five-year $500 billion farm bill measure for the past two years, and it looks like negotiations may soon come to a close this month.
Lawmakers have been on break for the last couple of weeks, but farm bill lawmakers and their staff have been working behind the scenes to try and reach a compromise on the food and farm legislation. The House and Senate disagree over certain components of the bill, but perhaps the most controversial part being over cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program.
Congress has other unfinished business to attend to besides the farm bill too. The continuing resolution funding the government expires Jan. 15. Congress has two options, pass an omnibus spending bill or approve another continuing resolution. If Congress fails to act, the government will face another partial shutdown.
Long story short, Congress has their work cut out for them.