US lawmakers have failed for almost six months to agree on a new farm bill.
Authorities have twice extended the old law that expired last September.
Farm bill writers lack firm funding commitments from other committees, and agreements with the Bush administration on how to pay for extra spending in a very tight budget year, as well as how much subsidy reform is enough.
Lawmakers have just extended the existing farm law another month, but Senate Chair Tom Harkin says the next step might be more drastic: "I mean, obviously, the next step is an extension of the present farm bill. And that would be an extension through next year."
The Congress is about to go on a two-week Easter recess, and one key member is recovering from the flu, after being hospitalised.
Farm lawmakers are even considering a 'bare-bones' bill that Harkin admits may be very tough to pass.ABC Rural News (Australia)
