WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a farm bill. It’s just not the one approved earlier this month by the US House.
Kansas Senator Pat Roberts, a Republican, spearheaded the bill alongside ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow.
There are differences between the House and Senate farm bill plans, notably with eligibility requirements for SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps. The House version imposes new requirements — a minimum 20-hour work week or participation in a state-run training program — while the Senate bill does not.
There are also differences in proposed changes to farm subsidies and the amount of cuts to federal conservation programs.
The current farm bill expires Sept. 30. It is reviewed every five years. Congress has the option of extending the current package if neither chamber can reach an agreement.
