McConnell: Extra funding for farm bill ‘hard to come by'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) today warned that the tight spending atmosphere after the debt ceiling debate will limit any additional money for the next farm bill.

“New spending is going to be hard to come by” for the farm bill, McConnell (R-Ky.) said at a University of Kentucky ag event on the reauthorization of the farm bill. The comments reinforce the idea that House and Senate Ag committees would need to remain at or below baseline spending levels for the around $1.5 trillion food and farm legislation; both parties have requested more funds.

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Efforts by some farm-state lawmakers are looking at "efficiencies" in moving some funding around via various titles of the farm bill. Also, the House Budget panel is working with Ag Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) regarding crop insurance program ideas.

“I have proudly served on the Ag Committee since my first day in the Senate and understand exactly how important the Farm Bill is to ag communities across Kentucky,” said McConnell. “I’m glad the Committee’s Ranking Member, Senator Boozman (R-Ar.), joined me in Fayette County with Commissioner Ryan Quarles and Dean Nancy Cox to hear farmers’ priorities for the Farm Bill firsthand."

Boozeman echoed McConnell in stressing the importance of continuous farm bill conversations as the bill is drafted.

“Stakeholder input is a vital part of the process. That’s why it is important to get out of Washington and hear directly from those on the ground who utilize farm bill programs to ensure their concerns are being addressed and their needs are being met.”

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Boozman highlighted the changed global context since the last farm bill in 2018, citing high interest rates, inflation, and input costs. He also emphasized the importance of risk management tools to ensure the ag capacity of the U.S. with the changing environmental and economic conditions. The ongoing war in Ukraine and potential animal pandemics were also noted as significant factors impacting ag.

Bottom line

Boozman expressed confidence in the process of crafting the farm bill, hoping for an effective outcome. He has consistently said he will not support a farm bill that doesn’t provide for an increase in the Price Loss Coverage program’s reference prices.

What was not said: McConnell didn't comment on the possibility of running for re-election in 2026.