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We're sorry, your flight has been delayed
USDA Secretary Mike Johanns' resignation last week throws one more ball into the air for the Senate Agriculture Committee to juggle. Some have criticized Johanns for leaving while Congress continues to debate the farm bill; however, at the pace Congress is moving, Johanns may be a senator before a new farm bill is completed. It's not uncommon for members of the administration to jump ship just before the president leaves office. Don't be surprised to see others follow Johanns' early exit over the coming months. President Bush was quick to name Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner as the Acting-Secretary until a replacement is found. Many "Hill rats" believe Conner will be nominated as the replacement to fill out the remaining 16 months of this administration. The criticism surrounding Johanns' departure and its effect on the farm bill is interesting compared to the 2002 farm bill debate. At that time, Secretary Ann Veneman was also criticized for not engaging enough in the discussion. The result was the 2002 bill that some have called the best farm bill ever. Looks like Congress fared pretty well last time. Furthermore, most on the Hill understand that as Deputy Secretary, Conner most often delivered and represented USDA's farm bill position during the House debate. Conner is a former Senate staffer and is well known by its staff and members. Sure, there are personality differences between Johanns and Conner, but the policy they are pushing hasn't changed. In the end, it's Congress who writes the bill and Congress who passes the bill. The president can veto it, but do you really think Bush will veto a farm bill? Rural voters are about the only supporters he has left. There is one big "if" being overlooked here. Before Bush has the opportunity to give a final up or down vote, Congress must actually pass a bill. The similarities between the Senate and an airline are uncanny. Just when you think you're going to board the plane and start moving, that pleasant little "ding" is followed by a marbled voice announcing a delay. In the case of the Senate Agriculture Committee, that marbled voice over the loud speaker is Chairman Harkin. Countless times he's announced through the press that the committee will mark up his bill in the coming weeks. Then, typically a week before that date arrives, he's back on the loud speaker notifying the passengers of another delay. Harkin first said the committee would mark up before the July 4th break, then by the August break, and most recently by the Columbus Day break. Now he's saying the mark up may be pushed back yet again. Airlines often string passengers along just like Harkin is doing with the ag community. However, eventually the airlines simply cancel your flight. How long before Harkin cancels this flight is unknown. Another option for these stranded passengers is to try another airline. "Extension Air" may be looking to take the same passengers to a similar destination. As Congress passes a Continuing Resolution to keep the government up and running, a short term extension of several current farm bill policies is needed. Some have kicked around the idea of a longer term extension of the entire farm bill as an alternative to Harkin and the House passed bill. As Harkin's airline keeps delaying its flight, interest in an extension grows. Again, just like flying, switching airlines isn't easy. Even if a two year extension cleared the Senate, it's viability in the House is questionable. Speaker Pelosi expended a lot of political capital to get a bill passed on her watch. Such an extension may not be attractive to her constituents who would prefer no farm policy over any farm policy. For now, the ag community will just have to keep sitting on those uncomfortable airport gate benches, waiting on the next announcement from "Air Harkin." Hopefully this airline doesn't skimp on the in-flight snacks.
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