05/11/2026

The Process of Passing the Farm Bill

NPMA

Farm Bill Update: What Happened in the House

If you were following along with the House votes last week, you may have noticed the political maneuvering taking place as majority leaders worked to move the Farm Bill forward with as little opposition as possible.

Ultimately, the Farm Bill was voted favorably on Thursday at 11:15 AM, but several key procedural steps led to that outcome.

Key Development:
Earlier that morning, around 2:00 AM, the majority worked to approve or deny as many amendments as possible through the use of voice voting.

What Is a Voice Vote?

In a voice vote, the acting Speaker verbally determines whether the yeas or nays have prevailed. However, any member present may contest the Speaker’s call by requesting a recorded vote.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) requested a recorded vote on Amendment #28, which struck Sections 10205, 10206, and 10207.

Result:
Amendment #28 was heard Thursday morning, requiring all members present to vote “yes,” “no,” or “present.” The final vote was 280–142, approving the amendment and removing all pesticide provisions from the Farm Bill.

What Happens Next?

The Senate is expected to receive the House-passed Farm Bill next week and begin its consideration process.

While Chairman Boozman (R-AR) is supportive of state pesticide preemption, reinserting Section 10206 into the Farm Bill will require significant support from other Senators. The Senate will need 60 votes to clear the Chamber.