Closeup of United States Capital buildingThe 118th Congress could not reach a consensus on a new five-year farm bill. Instead, the 2018 farm bill was extended time in the end-of-year funding package. As the 199th Congress enters session, there is an urgency to pass a new farm bill package. However, many hurdles need to be overcome.

Ranking Member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Angie Craig expressed disappointment that a farm bill was not passed in the last Congress. She said completing a new farm bill is her number one priority. Craig urges the negotiation of a bipartisan farm bill as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding remains a sticking point.

Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America Vince Hall says Republicans have been pushing to cut nutrition programs to free up more funding for farmers whose livelihoods have been disrupted by higher prices and extreme weather. Hall claims this is a false choice.

President-elect Trump is set to take office on January 20 with an anticipated massive legislative agenda. Putting together a budget will be a priority as the current budget has only been extended to March.

Read more on the status of a new farm bill here.