The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance a farm bill after negotiations broke down over proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The setback delays work on legislation that shapes agricultural support, food assistance and rural policy, highlighting divisions over the scale and conditions of nutrition benefits.

The committee’s vote was also affected by the absence of Senator Mitch McConnell, reducing Republican support at a critical moment. Lawmakers remain divided over SNAP provisions, while the farm bill must balance competing priorities including farm safety-net programmes, conservation and food aid.