As the effects of the drought intensify, calls for action on the farm bill increase. The House Republican leadership is indicating they do not plan to consider the House Agriculture Committee farm bill prior to the November elections. However, members of the House are considering voting on a one-year extension of the current farm bill prior to the August recess. Seventy-nine House members wrote the leadership urging consideration of farm bill (H.R. 6083) prior to the August recess. The letter said, “The message from our constituents and rural America is clear – we need a farm bill now. We ask that you bring a farm bill up before the August District Work Period so that the House will have the opportunity to work its will. We ask that you make this legislation a priority of the House as it is critically important to rural and urban Americans alike.” The letter was organized by Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT).