The Wisconsin-based Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is among groups concerned about Congressional agriculture leaders adding provisions of the farm bill into the deficit super committee.
The Institute’s Margaret Krome says the farm bill – which affects everything from food programs to conserving natural resources over five years – needs “public discussion.” She concerned these provisions won’t get their proper scrutiny unless properly debated by lawmakers.
If the super committee sends a plan to Congress, both the House and Senate must vote to simply approve or reject the proposal without amendments.
Some lawmakers have said by not sending the farm bill to Congress, it will avoid further cuts to agriculture, especially in the fiscally conservative House.