1. Assistant to the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs
2018 Farm Bill
G. Sean O’Neill
Assistant to the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs
June 25, 2019

2. Part I of The Farm Bill Process: Congress
FSA begins working with House and Senate Agriculture Committees at least a year before the Farm Bill expires.
FSA reviews draft language; offers “technical” assistance
Does it work for producers? Does it work for FSA?
A year later, perhaps 2 years later after numerous hearings, input from producers, conservation groups, wildlife groups, and “mark-ups,” the House passes bill; Senate passes bill.
They are always different.
That means a conference committee to iron out the differences; more FSA involvement.

3. Part I of The Farm Bill Process: Congress (continued)
Agreements worked out, lots of compromises; both houses pass exact same bill.
President signs (but not always, President sometimes vetoes bill and then bill goes back to Congress).
2018 Farm Bill signed: December 20, 2019

4. Part II of The Farm Bill Process: USDA
House and Senate agriculture staff take a deep breath. No more sleepless nights.
USDA takes over. Lots of hard work, long days ahead of us.

5. Part II of The Farm Bill Process: USDA (continued)
Bring in Task forces
Study Farm Bill provisions. What has changed? What is new?
What requires a decision to be made? Who makes it? Develop matrix of decisions with recommended options.
Some decisions made by task force team members, others elevated to Deputy Administrator, Administrator, Undersecretary, or Secretary.
What decisions require Secretary input? Use of premium hay for DMC is an example.

6. Part II of The Farm Bill Process: USDA (continued)
The mechanics:
Get decisions made; meet with FPAC, OGC, OBPA, OMB, Secretary
Create timelines
Write Federal Register documents
Brief Senate and House Agriculture Committees
Draft notices/handbooks
Develop software
Communications plan (brief producer groups, Congress)
Issue press releases
Develop National training

7. Part III of The Farm Bill Process: State and County Offices
FSA headquarters staff take a deep breath.
State and County staff take over. Lots of hard work, long days ahead for you.