Four seek to use “discharge petition” to force farm bill vote

As Congress leaves Washington for the August recess, there is an effort to move the farm bill forward. Iowa Democrat Bruce Braley and fellow Democrat Peter Welch of Vermont along with Republicans Rick Berg of North Dakota and Chris Gibson of New York are seeking to file a discharge petition which could bring the farm bill to the House floor without leadership’s approval.

There are some procedural deadlines including a requirement that House Ag Committee Chair Frank Lucas file the measure for consideration. The petition would require the signatures of 218 House members to bring it to the floor.

More details on Representative Braley’s website here: