WASHINGTON, D.C.(KMIT)- Senator John Thune spoke on the Senate floor, praising the progress the House of Representatives has made on a new farm bill.

Senator Thune says the farm bill is a top priority.

In a Senate speech, Thune emphasized that farmers can no longer wait for a new Farm Bill.  Inflation is up and income is down.  That’s why Congress needs to act quickly and pass a new Farm Bill.

Senator Thune is frustrated by the lack of progress in the Senate on a new Farm Bill.  He says one of the impediments is Democrats who seem to care more about climate change policy than farmers.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Thune praised his colleague Senator John Boozman (Bo – z- man) of Louisiana, the ranking Republican for his work on the Agriculture Committee on a framework for a new farm bill.

Senator Thune lists the bills he’s introduced that could become a part of the new farm bill.

The Farm Bill is authorized for five-year periods.  The current Farm Bill officially expired in October of 2023 and has been extended, pending a new farm bill.