House Passes Bipartisan 'Skinny' Farm Bill with $150 Million Feral Swine Program
The House passed a narrower Farm Bill that replaces a temporary feral swine pilot with a $150 million permanent program, voting 224-200 with bipartisan support.
TL;DR
The House approved a narrower Farm Bill that swaps a temporary feral swine pilot for a $150 million permanent program, passing 224-200 with cross‑party support.
Context
The legislation, formally the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, was considered after the House Agriculture Committee cleared it in March. Fourteen Democrats joined Republicans to reach the 224-200 vote threshold, while three Republicans voted against. Because several conservation programs already received multi‑year funding through the Inflation Reduction Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, lawmakers opted for a more streamlined bill.
The bill reauthorizes the Conservation Reserve Program, maintains the rule that 10% of Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding goes to wildlife practices, and creates a new Forest Conservation Easement Program. These provisions aim to preserve soil, water, and habitat while keeping overall spending in line with recent extensions.
Key Facts
The vote tally was 224 in favor, 200 opposed, with 14 Democrats backing the Republican‑led measure and three Republicans dissenting. The bill replaces the existing feral swine pilot program with a permanent initiative funded at $150 million over the next five years, classified as mandatory spending.
Due to prior extensions and funding boosts, this Farm Bill is less extensive than previous versions and contains fewer new policy updates. Lawmakers said the narrower focus reflects the desire to avoid duplicating recent investments.
What It Means
Supporters say the permanent swine program will give states reliable money to reduce crop losses and limit disease transmission from wild pigs. They argue that steady funding improves planning and outreach efforts.
Critics contend the bill’s slim shape overlooks chances to expand nutrition assistance, strengthen climate‑smart agriculture, or address labor shortages in rural communities. They warn that missed opportunities could require future legislative fixes.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where the Agriculture Committee is drafting its own version that may adjust funding levels or add provisions.
What to watch next
Senate deliberations and any amendments that could alter the feral swine funding or re‑introduce omitted provisions.
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