News outlets report on recent U.S. congressional action on a farm bill that includes food aid provisions.

Devex: A glimmer of hope for U.S. food aid reform
“After years of lobbying by foreign aid advocates, NGO representatives, food security experts and U.S. government officials, lawmakers might be ready to open the door — at least part of the way — for food aid reform in 2014. Congressional Quarterly reported on Wednesday that U.S. budget appropriators have agreed to allow a Senate provision that would earmark $35 million for greater food aid flexibility…” (Igoe, 1/10).

Politico: Farm bill in trouble
“House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas conceded Thursday that final action on a farm bill conference report is now likely to slip into late January — a major blow to himself and an ominous turn for the bill itself…” (Rogers, 1/9).

Washington Post: Farm bill talks nearing conclusion with about $9 billion in food stamp cuts
“…Leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees had planned to announce a deal on a new multiyear farm bill this week, but aides familiar with the talks said any such announcement might be pushed into next week because of differences about price controls on the nation’s dairy industry…” (O’Keefe, 1/8).

Roll Call: Farm Bill Nearing Home Stretch (Updated)
“The long-delayed farm bill may finally be on a glide path to passage, after months of partisan wrangling raised doubts over whether such a day would ever come…” (Shiner/Dumain, 1/7).