Playing Kick the Can

Kick your legs high in the air,
Do it like you just don’t care,
Now every woman every man,
Come and kick the can.

by Dance Dance Revolution

The 2008 farm bill was a “Bill of Confusion” – this year we’re playing “Kick the Can” and it’s getting further down the road.

The House was going to consider a one year extension of current legislation, but after running that idea up the flag pole it became evident there weren’t enough players for that game, so as they fiddle around, the crops continue to burn up.

No one seemed to really like the idea of a one year extension of current legislation, even the livestock producers who would have received an extension of disaster aid programs that expired in 2011. Especially since the House has a new five-year bill to bring to the floor and the Senate has already passed one.

“There are real differences between the Senate bill and the House Ag bill, but there should be room for consensus,” said Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) on the Senate floor Tuesday. “Our American farmers and ranchers and all those affected by the drought are depending on Congress to do our job right. So, don’t kick the can down the road. I urge the House to bring a five-year farm bill to the House floor as soon as possible.”

Senate leaders indicate they will not even consider a bill offering any type of drought aid this week in order to keep the pressure on the House to allow a five-year farm bill to go to conference before recess.