Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson, ranking member on the House Ag Committee said last week he thinks Congress will be able to work out compromises on ag issues. One concern he has though is Kansas Senator Pat Roberts chairing the Senate Ag Committee and the possibility of the farm bill being opened up. Minnesota Farmers Union’s Government Relations Director Thom Petersen doesn’t see that happening.
Petersen says dynamics have changed with the results of last week’s election. He says although Roberts will likely chair the Ag panel and Representative Conaway the House Ag Committee they’ll be able to work together with other members to help farmers and ranchers.
Congressman Peterson’s priorities in the next Congress include implementing the farm bill, reviving stalled legislation to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as well as passing immigration legislation and a five year transportation bill.