farm bill

The 80-year-old bill requires updates from Congress every five years to account for inflation and shifting welfare and agricultural policies. While some conservative circles argue the subsidies distort free markets, the omnibus bill has traditionally enjoyed broad bipartisan support. Urban and rural constituencies depend on its programs, while policymakers view a stable food source as imperative to national security.

With Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu's vote, the Senate decided Thursday to move ahead with debate on the reauthorization of the farm bill.Meanwhile, two…