Rep. Peterson: Farm Bill Extension Likely

A major farm bill impasse continues in the House as Congress has departed for a two-week recess. An extension of the 2014 Farm Bill appears likely as House Ag Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., said the bill “is on life support... If you were a betting person you would want to bet on an extension,” he said. House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, is more upbeat, saying there is still time to enact a new farm bill this year.In remarks late last week at a Washington Examiner event, Conaway said he is moving ahead with his committee’s bill next month, with or without Democratic support. Conaway expressed frustration over the impasse during his remarks. “I’m deeply disappointed and hurt, quite frankly, that Collin led his team to the sidelines,” Conaway said, adding that he will welcome Democrats back “with open arms” if they want to re-engage.