House Passes Farm Bill After Removing Pesticide Liability Shield, 224‑200 Vote

The House version updates the five‑year farm bill that funds agricultural subsidies, nutrition aid and rural development programs. The prior bill expired in 2023, and negotiations have been stalled as parties dispute spending levels and policy riders. This vote marks the first chamber approval since the expiration, though the bill must still clear the Senate and be signed by the president.

- The final vote on the farm bill was 224‑200, with Republicans gaining 14 Democratic votes. - A separate amendment to strip the pesticide lawsuit shield passed 280‑142, drawing support from both parties. - House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson said the 2026 farm bill addresses current challenges facing farm country.

The bill retains many provisions from the previous legislation, including the SNAP cuts enacted in Trump’s tax and spending package. Farm groups welcomed the measure for its research funding, conservation updates and higher loan limits, while some Democrats argued it does little to ease high input costs or lost markets. Anti‑hunger groups criticized the persistence of the $187 billion SNAP reduction. The removal of the pesticide liability shield was praised by the Make America Healthy Again movement but condemned by industry groups who say it undermines legal protections for farmers. The House is expected to vote on a standalone bill to allow year‑round E15 gasoline sales on May 13.