Via voice vote Tuesday night, the Senate moved the farm bill (H.R. 2) to conference committee. The next step will be the announcement of Senate conferees, who will join the 47 House members already named to the committee. Senate Ag Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) said nine senators (five Republicans and four Democrats) will serve on the committee.
Even though the House is on summer break through August, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said his goal is to have a farm bill conference report ready after Labor Day.
The current farm bill expires on Sept. 30.
