In June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the “Agriculture and Nutrition Act” by Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas). Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate also passed a version of the Farm Bill: the “Agricultural Improvement Act” by Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan).

Neither the House nor Senate bill contains cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP). However, because the bills significantly differ on several issues, they are currently going through a process called “conference.”

Conference is where a committee of senior members of Congress work to draft a compromise bill both chambers can accept. The House and Senate must eventually pass identical legislation for the bill to move to President Trump’s desk.

Although members of Congress were appointed to the conference committee in July and early August, the process for reconciling the two bills is likely to be difficult and time-consuming. Changes to the bills, including changes to the crop insurance provisions, are possible during this process.

The Big “I” joined with several other nutrition, farm, insurance and environmental groups last week to send a letter to those leading the conference committee urging a quick resolution and protection of vital programs, including the FCIP. 

As the process moves forward, the Big “I” government affairs staff will continue to update members on the status of the Farm Bill and its impact on the FCIP.

Jennifer Webb is Big “I” federal government affairs counsel.