Roll Call is reporting that Congress will attempt to make quick work of a six-month stopgap spending bill as lawmakers are eager to get back on the campaign trail. The Capitol Hill newspaper says the measure could serve as a vehicle for an extension of farm programs. One Senate GOP aide told Roll Call that a farm bill extension is the most realistic option for any unrelated provisions in the continuing resolution. It is unclear whether Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow would support an extension. Also unclear – how long the extension might be.

Farm groups have not supported the idea of extension – stressing the importance of a new five-year bill. But American Farm Bureau Federation Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy Dale Moore says an extension is preferable to no action at all. Moore is hopeful a Farm Bill Now rally scheduled for Wednesday will show that allowing farm programs to expire would hurt a wide section of constituencies and make the issue a political loser. He notes failure to act could lead to a rise in food prices and wreak havoc on the farming industry.

The House could clear the continuing resolution this week. The Senate is expected to follow suit next week.