Farm Bill Conference Committee Talks Suddenly Close

The farm bill conference committee could have an agreement in place as this week starts. “We’re darn close,” House Ag Committee Chair Mike Conaway told Politico a couple days after a bout of finger-pointing between conference committee members, who have since downplayed previous comments. Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts was hopeful a deal would come together by (today) Monday. Roberts had reportedly received a House proposal Friday afternoon. Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, discussed the farm bill with President Trump and said that he and the President are determined to finish the bill this year. McConnell previously told reporters the farm bill is one of two items that “absolutely have to be accomplished” before the end of 2018. Conference committee talks remain fluid, and as of Friday afternoon, unresolved issues included the conservation title and regulatory language, along with negotiations ongoing regarding the nutrition title.