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Senate Ag Committee Blocks 2026 Farm Bill, SNAP Dispute Rages

8/8/2026

25 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Agriculture Committee Blocks

Senate Agriculture Committee voted 10-11 to block the 2026 farm bill.
Tommy Tuberville (Ala.) and Mitch McConnell (Ky.) were absent, with proxy votes excluded.
Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) said the panel will reconvene in September.
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) called Democrats “disgraceful” for rejecting E15 and SNAP cost-share compromises.
Democrat ranking member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) urged a two-year SNAP cost-share delay to equalize states.

Summary

Kansas Senators Warn

Kansas senators say year-round E15 could create about 500 million bushels of corn, boosting ethanol production.
Sen. Jerry Moran calls for modernizing USDA loan limits, which are still based on costs from over a decade ago.
Sen. Roger Marshall points to rising fertilizer, pesticide, seed and diesel costs as key farmer concerns.
Both senators warn that low commodity prices, high input costs and a Kansas drought are worsening farm finances.

History

Historical Context

The 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act, signed by President Bill Clinton, ended direct price supports and introduced seven-year production-flexibility contracts. Its loan caps have persisted, shaping current debates by Senators John Boozman and Jerry Moran over the 2026 farm bill’s national credit limits and potential future ethanol provisions.

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Agriculture Committee Blocks

Senate Agriculture Committee voted 10-11 to block the 2026 farm bill.
Tommy Tuberville (Ala.) and Mitch McConnell (Ky.) were absent, with proxy votes excluded.
Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) said the panel will reconvene in September.
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) called Democrats “disgraceful” for rejecting E15 and SNAP cost-share compromises.
Democrat ranking member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) urged a two-year SNAP cost-share delay to equalize states.

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