Iowa Republican Senator Charles Grassley was in Atlantic this (Monday) morning, to answer questions and speak with employees at SWIPCO (The Southwest Iowa Planning Council). Iowa’s Senior Senator spoke about economic development, housing, the Farm Bill and the confirmation hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh in his bid to become the next U-S Supreme Court Justice. On the topic of the Farm Bill, Grassley said the Conference Committee started meeting last week, but he doesn’t recall any progress having been made.

(Grassley said Senator’s McConnell and Roberts want to get an agreement reached by the end of September, but if it gets too far into the Fall, the existing Farm Bill will have to be extended for one-more year.)

Grassley said the biggest stumbling block in getting the bill passed with 60 votes in the Senate, is a work requirement in order for people to receive food stamps.

(He says he doesn’t mind that requirement, personally, with some exceptions, such as the disabled, elderly and families with children under a certain age. Everyone else would have to put in 20-hours of work or community service. Grassley said he wishes he could say there’s a compromise coming, but he doesn’t know what that would be. It’s likely, he said, the requirement will end-up being dropped.)

Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) speaks to SWIPCO employees and community leaders. (Ric Hanson photo)