Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 9/25/18

The Senate Ag chairman said Monday evening that Congress won't pass a new farm bill, H.R. 2 (115), before the current one expires Sept. 30, adding that it also will be tough to get something done before the November elections.

"I'm afraid we're going to go past the Sept. 30 date," Roberts told reporters. "Miracles can happen. We're not giving up." The Kansas Republican added that he doesn't want to talk about extending current law because "it gives people the chance to weigh in again and delay" things, which doesn't help the top four negotiators reach a final agreement.

What's done and what needs to be done: Roberts said he and Stabenow, along with their House counterparts Mike Conaway and Collin Peterson, have found a way to reconcile differences in the commodity title, which includes programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. They're just awaiting a score from the CBO to make sure it pencils out, Roberts said.

He said a major remaining challenge is coming to an agreement on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policy, including work requirements and waivers.

"I think if we could get the waiver challenge behind us, working with the administration, that would be very helpful. If we do that, I think we could get ourselves to a farm bill," Roberts said.