The NPR Politics Podcast The Fight Over The Farm Bill
Feb 9, 2023
The Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation with far-reaching effects on nutrition programs, farm subsidies, and environmental conservation. Internal Republican divisions raise concerns about its passage before funding runs out. Discussions highlight the financial scope of the bill, projected to cost $867 billion over ten years, alongside debates on spending cuts. Advocacy efforts focus on aiding formerly incarcerated individuals and pushing for improved conservation initiatives. As the deadline looms, the ramifications for rural communities grow increasingly urgent.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Farm Bill Components
- The Farm Bill includes 12 titles, with nutrition programs receiving about 80% of the funding.
- Other areas covered include world development, utilities, conservation funding, commodity crops, and disaster relief.
Farm Bill Politics
- The Farm Bill isn't strictly partisan; fights often revolve around regional differences.
- Democrats favor expanding nutrition programs, while Republicans are generally more hesitant due to cost.
Farm Bill Cost
- The 2018 Farm Bill cost $867 billion over ten years.
- This is comparable to the $1 trillion infrastructure bill.