Senator Coleman Op-Ed: Administration must compromise on farm bill

sen. Norm Coleman

Grand Forks Herald

WASHINGTON — After months of negotiations, congressional negotiators are on the cusp of a farm bill agreement that’ll provide the framework necessary to quickly complete reauthorization of the nation’s farm policy.

This will be the product of a consistent, bipartisan, cross-regional and bicameral effort in Congress. With the spring planting season nearly upon us, it goes without saying that we quickly must reach an agreement that will provide certainty to our farmers.

Unfortunately, we still are facing some hurdles in completing a deal between Congress and the White House. Despite the progress between the House and Senate, the White House recently set forth its guidelines for a deal, which only cemented what already has been proven to be an inflexible approach.

While I understand the administration’s concerns, it’s time that all parties turn their focus to what we have in common so we can complete a deal.