Senate Ag leader urges House action on farm bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Agriculture Committee chairman Debbie Stabenow is opposing House proposals to extend the current farm policy act and urging House Republican leaders to take up legislation to enact a new bill.

The Michigan Democrat said a House-Senate compromise on a new five-year farm bill is within reach if only the House acts on legislation approved by the House Agriculture Committee.

She said the two sides could settle differences in October and pass a bill in November.

The current farm bill expires at the end of September but many of its programs, including the food stamp program which helps feed some 46 million Americans, would continue after that date.

House Republicans, concerned about a tough fight over food stamp spending, have proposed extending the existing bill for a year.