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So much for a relaxing recess...
Every year Congress takes the entire month of August for what they call a "district work period" but most others call it a "recess" or "vacation." Since many elected officials prefer to act like school children, maybe "recess" is more appropriate. Nevertheless, for our representatives and senators, August is supposed to be a time to return home, recharge their batteries, and receive their marching orders from their constituents. Over the past month, many of you may have seen your federally elected officials at local coffee shops, chamber luncheons, and state fairs. For plains states, state fairs provide the biggest bang for the political buck, especially for those on the agriculture committees. Case in point, each year the Kansas State Fair hosts their congressional delegation with ag interests on a panel discussion which is broadcast live via radio. This year was no different: well, maybe it was a little different. According to the broadcast on WIBW radio, the usual suspects attended. Senators Pat Roberts, Sam Brownback and Rep. Jerry Moran were joined by first timer and recent addition to the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Nancy Boyda. Rep. Boyda is a Democrat representing the eastern fourth of Kansas. So what would you do in her situation? A situation where you know the other panelists have more agriculture policy experience and high levels of support from the crowd. Furthermore, Rep. Boyda voted in favor of the House farm bill, while Rep. Moran voted no and Senators Roberts and Brownback have publicly criticized the bill. Rep. Boyda knew exactly what to do. She called in for back-up. Just a few short days before the fair event, several attendees in Kansas were notified that House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson from Minnesota would accompany Rep. Boyda. On several occasions during the questioning, Chairman Peterson was quick to respond before the other panelists. Chairman Peterson's presence took some of the pressure off of Rep. Boyda. Who knows if this tactic worked? I guess time will tell. For others in the agriculture circles of Washington, D.C., much work was done behind the scenes on what some have called the "mythical" Senate farm bill proposal. Chairman Tom Harkin leaked some details of a draft to lobbying groups but didn't show his cards to many on his own committee. Recent articles reported on an apparent rift between Senate Finance Chairman Baucus and Ag Chairman Harkin over additional money. These disagreements are delaying progress and the clock is certainly ticking. If the Senate doesn't move very soon, an extension will be needed. Some insiders believe an extension is inevitable and that it will be for two years. If that's the case, this year long farm bill debate has been like a preseason football game. Same format with the same players, but the end result doesn't count.
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