House Ag Committee Chairman Frank Lucas hasn’t been willing to talk about floor time for the farm bill as an “if” – just as a “when.” But when that time comes – he wants a rule that requires a filing requirement the day before so Ag Committee lawyers, economists and members can see what is going to come up on the floor. If House leadership is going to allow an unlimited number of amendments – he wants to know there will be time to understand what’s in the amendments so they can be explained on the floor of the House. Ranking Member Collin Peterson would prefer a modified closed rule that would limit the number of amendments. He notes nearly 100 amendments were considered by the Agriculture Committee – some of which were redundant. If the House leadership insists on a wide-open rule – Peterson says people will offer the same amendment over and over. He says that doesn’t accomplish anything.

Peterson is optimistic he and Lucas can get the farm bill through the House, move on to conference with the Senate and get the bill done by September 30th – but Lucas has still been willing to acknowledge the possibility that an extension of existing policy might be necessary.