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G.T. Thompson Expresses Support for Senate Farm Bill Updates and Ethanol Provisions

House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson expressed satisfaction with the Senate Agriculture Committee's updated farm bill plans released on Friday. The Pennsylvania Republican noted that the Senate's version includes critical ethanol fuel language, specifically allowing for year-round sales of E15, which is a priority for corn growers and biofuel producers. Thompson indicated that while the Senate's bill provides a one-year delay for states to begin paying for a portion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, he is open to this compromise. He plans to begin pre-conferencing the bills over the August recess to find common ground on remaining issues, such as pesticide and animal welfare laws. The Senate Agriculture Committee, led by Chairman John Boozman, is scheduled to mark up the bill next week. The administration announced that the bill aims to provide vital support to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities while ensuring long-term food security. The House and Senate are racing to finalize a deal before the September 30 deadline.

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