Walz says farm bill is a good compromise

by Minnesota News Network, MNN

St. Paul, Minn. — Congressman Tim Walz said he believes lawmakers can work out out their differences on the farm bill by the end of next week.

The U.S. House on Thursday extended the current bill for one week, after negotiations stalled over tax breaks in the Senate version.

Walz said he thinks a one week extension is enough time to finish the bill.

"There's still kinks to be worked out. Pretty big difference between the House version, especially on spending, and the Senate version," Walz said. "But, I think as planting season's here, and our producers need to get some stability in what's going on, the desire to get this thing done will override some of those hurdles that have been put out there."

Walz said the farm bill will most likely address necessary reforms for commodities and maintain a safety net for farmers.

He said legislation this big will always contain compromises. But Walz said, all-in-all, it will be a "pretty decent" bill.

The White House says both the House and Senate versions are too expensive, and it has threatened a veto of either one.