The House’s passage of the “Agriculture and Nutrition Act,” known colloquially as the “farm bill,” is encouraging to community bankers who support many of its provisions to extend and modify certain programs benefiting rural communities, and revise various agriculture and nutrition policies.
The fact that the bill passed by a slim, two-vote margin raises concerns among those hoping the measure can find an adequate bipartisan compromise in the Senate. The bill was opposed by all House Democrats and 20 Republicans. Numerous associations representing farmers have expressed opposition to the bill as well.
Find out more about the measure and the differing viewpoints regarding its provisions.