The Senate Agriculture Committee today failed to advance the Farm Bill after committee Democrats objected that the legislation did not contain a two-year delay of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
The committee voted 11-10 against favorably reporting the bill, with two committee members absent. Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) told reporters after the hearing that the committee will attempt another vote in September, after the Senate returns from August recess.
A major sticking point for committee Democrats was previous changes to SNAP that shifted some program costs to states. They are seeking a two-year delay in those changes taking effect. They also argued the legislation unfairly penalizes states with moderate levels of SNAP payment errors while letting states with high levels off the hook.
“Our members are simply asking for the two-year delay so all states will be on the same footing in working to reduce their error rates,” Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said in a statement after the vote.
Boozman said the bill contains a one-year extension, and neither a majority of Congress nor the White House supports a two-year delay.
“Should this legislation be defeated today, current law will remain in effect and states with poorly administered SNAP programs will begin to pay for a portion of benefit costs next year,” he said.
In comments submitted ahead of the hearing, the American Bankers Association urged committee members to advance the bill. ABA noted that banks remain one of the primary sources of credit for U.S. agricultural producers.
“The 2026 Farm Bill includes essential tools that support producers and their financial partners, including comprehensive risk management programs, loan guarantees, rural development investments, nutrition assistance and conservation initiatives,” ABA said. “This legislation will strengthen credit availability, enhance risk management and help agricultural lenders continue serving their customers effectively.”
