PETERSON TALKS FARM BILL, BUDGET RECONCILIATION
News Date February 23, 2010
House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) broached the idea that the next farm bill could be passed via the budget reconciliation process in 2011, instead of 2012 when the current farm bill expires. Peterson emphasized that while he isn’t advocating that process, federal budget constraints may force Congress’s hand and that all spending programs would be on the table for changes through reconciliation. Peterson has stated that he intends to hold farm bill hearings in Washington, DC this spring and field hearings in July. (Contact: Nathan Bowen)