Farm bill spotlight

As DC drama goes, this is pretty good. The start of legislative business today for the House begins at 10 a.m. Both parties are reportedly in caucuses right now, with leadership probably giving their last instructions to rank and file. One chief of staff for a California Republican said GOP concerns about the tax increase and bigger spending should not be underestimated. At the same time, he said that Republican leadership knows that the farm bill is critically important to many members.

At the end of the day, what happens? Led by Chairman Peterson, perhaps Democrats and Republicans on the committee will bridge their differences, with some face-saving gesture allowing for bipartisan support.

A source close to House the Agriculture Committee said the Rules Commitee has allowed for 31 amendments in the farm bill debate. A long day...

Some stories on the farm bill:
Farm subsidies seem immune to overhaul NYT

Huge farm bill offers more of the same for agribusiness SFC

On eve of vote, farm bill draws threat of veto WP