House

House votes to go to conference on farm bill

by Juliegrace Brufke - 07/18/18 4:12 PM ET

The House voted by unanimous consent on Wednesday to go to conference with the Senate on a new farm bill.

Lawmakers are looking to negotiate a compromise on legislation to authorize a number of farm, agricultural and food programs that are set to expire at the end of September.

{mosads}The House approved its version of the five-year farm bill in a 213-211 vote last month.

The most controversial part of the legislation would impose new work requirements on people who receive food stamps.

The Senate farm bill, which does not include the new work requirements, was approved last month by the Senate in an 86-11 vote.

The House bill would require able-bodied beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to work 20 hours a week to get support. The welfare reform language was advocated for by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

If the conferenced legislation includes changes to SNAP, it will likely face an uphill battle in the Senate due to a lack of Democratic support. The legislation will need 60 votes to pass the upper chamber.

Tags farm bill Paul Ryan