Senate Agriculture Committee Negotiates SNAP and Ethanol Farm Bill

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman intends to hold a markup of the national farm bill on August 6, 2026. The legislation follows a House version passed on April 30 and arrives after years of extensions since 2018. Boozman is currently negotiating with Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar to ensure the bill meets the 60-vote Senate threshold, a task complicated by the absence of Senator Mitch McConnell, which has left the committee with an even 11-11 party split.

A primary point of contention involves the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Democrats are proposing a two-year delay in shifting cost-share requirements to states based on payment error rates to protect state budgets and families. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith identified this as a sticking point, though Boozman indicated that negotiations are currently leaning toward a one-year delay instead.

Additionally, Boozman plans to include a measure allowing year-round, voluntary sales of E15 ethanol-fuel blends, a provision being crafted by Senators Deb Fischer and Steve Daines. While Boozman aims for a swift markup, Senator Joni Ernst noted the bill is unlikely to receive a full Senate vote before the August recess. If the legislation is not delivered to President Donald Trump by January, the entire legislative process must restart.