Senators overwhelmingly approved a measure to open debate on the 2012 Farm Bill on June 6. By a vote of 90 to 8, the Senate voted to open discussions of the bill on the full Senate floor, according to the Wildlife Management Institute.

The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 (S. 3240) is being spearheaded by Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. Senator Stabenow indicated that she is hopeful that the full Senate will act on the legislation in fairly short order. Numerous amendments to the bill, many unrelated to agriculture, have been or are rumored to be introduced. Stabenow said that she would take procedural action to cut off discussions on amendments if it appears that they are substantially delaying action on the main legislation.

The Administration announced that, while it has some issues with the bill as written, it supports its passage. The House Agriculture Committee is expected to begin markup of its version of the bill by mid-June. The current Farm Bill expires on September 30^th this year. (pmr)