Tuesday’s blue wave election could upend prospects for a year-end farm bill and year-round E15 approval. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association says everything depends on how the sausage gets made or doesn’t over the last weeks of the outgoing Congress.
“There could be a spirit of cooperation to get things done here in the lame duck and finish a lot of these unresolved issues.”
Including year-round E15 approval, a farm bill, and spending and defense bills. Or, if Democrats are emboldened.
“Certainly, I see no reason why they wouldn’t feel emboldened to wait on a lot of the key initiatives like a farm bill and major budget reform until they’re in charge in January. They may want to do just the bare minimum.”
And complicating the picture…
“From a House-side perspective, it could be very difficult to come up with the Republican votes, knowing that there are going to be some of those members who were defeated, may not actually come back to town after Tuesday.”
Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly told staff he will not run for minority leader, which will lead to an expected contest between current Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan.