The farm bill will pass now, but it’s close.
Ian Kast 23, writer and video producer for the Michigan Farm Bureau, citing Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman, 5/24/2023, “'We will get one' — Stabenow confident on farm bill, concerned about debt ceiling,” https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/stabenow-confident-on-farm-bill-concerned-about-debt-ceiling
Despite the more-than-challenging circumstances, Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow is confident the farm bill will pass.
“We will get one,” Stabenow told Michigan Farm News during a recent visit to Michigan State University to celebrate its selection as one of 12 USDA Regional Food Business Centers.
“My biggest concern right now is whatever happens on a possible default could create a real devastating effect.”
Among the potential effects of a default are higher interest rates, possible stoppages of USDA programs, and impacts to crop insurance — just to name a few.
“I don’t know what would happen because we’ve never defaulted before, but it’s not good,” Stabenow said. “So, we need to get this past us so that we can get back to the work of putting together a great bipartisan farm bill.”
Stabenow has been involved in six farm bills during her time as a lawmaker — including leading the passage of three farm bills, but this one will be her last. She announced she won’t seek re-election in 2024.