Full Breakdown
Senate Farm Bill Markup Stalls as McConnell Votes by Proxy
8/7/2026, 7:08:00 AM
Core Event
During the Agriculture Committee’s markup of the 2025 farm bill, Senator Mitch McConnell cast all of his votes “by proxy.” Although proxy votes kept the bill’s language aligned with Republican priorities, they could not be used to advance the measure to the Senate floor. Consequently, the committee failed to report the bill, and the markup ended without a floor vote.
Background & Context
Senator McConnell has been on medical leave since at least June 14, the last day he was seen at work. Under Senate rules, an absent senator may authorize another present senator to cast an additional vote on his behalf. McConnell’s proxy votes were the first recorded since his leave began, and they were submitted through Chairman John Boozman (R-Arkansas). The farm bill’s central partisan dispute involved a Democratic-backed amendment to delay by two years the point at which some states must begin sharing costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Republicans had already incorporated a one-year delay in a 2025 reconciliation law.
Official Statements & Responses
Chairman John Boozman said he consulted with McConnell the night before the markup and received approval for the proxy votes. After the failed vote, Boozman told reporters that Democrats would return to their constituents before attempting another vote in September, noting that “they’re going to be busy with their constituents in rural America, farmers and local business people. I think they’re very, very disappointed that we didn’t get something done.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear wrote a letter demanding that McConnell either address the public directly or resign, criticizing the continued payment of his salary while he remains absent. The letter underscores broader concerns about elected officials receiving pay during extended medical leaves without public accountability.
Data & Statistics
- June 14 (occurred): Last day McConnell was observed at work.
- June 9 (occurred): McConnell appeared at a Senate subcommittee hearing prior to his leave.
- Proxy votes were used for every amendment presented during the markup.
- All but one Democratic-backed amendment failed by a 12-11 vote in favor of Republicans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know how much he would have wanted to be here to advocate for Kentucky’s farmers and rural communities,” — John Boozman, chair
- “They’re going to be busy with their constituents in rural America, farmers and local business people. I think they’re very, very disappointed that we didn’t get something done,” — John Boozman, chair
What’s Next
Chairman Boozman indicated that the committee plans to reconvene in the first week of September for another vote on the same farm bill. The outcome will depend on whether Democratic senators alter their positions or whether McConnell makes a physical appearance at a future markup.
