Forty-four senators have written the senate leadership calling for a timely and open debate of the farm bill.  The bipartisan letter was organized by Senators Mike Johanns (R-NE), Max Baucus (D-MT), Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).  The senators reminded the leadership that many of the programs in the farm bill will expire this year if no action is taken. 

The letter stated, “With our constant focus on job creation, we write to urge you to schedule floor consideration of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 as soon as possible. The bill takes steps to reduce the deficit and decrease government spending by $23 billion. It passed the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on April 26, with a bipartisan vote of 16 to 5. This sets an example of how senators can come together in a bipartisan way to craft meaningful, yet fiscally responsible, policy. We believe there is strong support in the full senate to consider the bill in a fair and open manner that allows senators the opportunity to offer amendments.” 

The senate may consider the farm bill in June.