The House of Representatives debate and votes yesterday on a number of actions, including a farm bill and E15, took all day and accomplished little except to kick the can for E15 legislation down the road another two weeks.

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) expressed her frustration at the end of a long day. “Tonight my friends on the other side of the aisle somehow negotiated to have E15 taken off the table. To me, it’s just unbelievable,” said Craig. “I know there’s probably some deal cut on the side or a gentleman’s agreement or whatever, but we’re going to be back here in two weeks. There’s going to be a lot of procedural movement on this thing. And I’m telling you tonight, I do not believe that we will see a vote on E15 come to this House floor, that standing down on E15 was walking away from our family farmers.”

Listen to Craig’s comments on the House floor.
Rep. Craig house floor 3:38

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper was also frustrated by the lack of progress. “We were greatly disappointed that the vote to ensure year-round availability of lower-cost E15 as a fuel option for America’s drivers has been delayed yet again. Given the strong support year-round E15 enjoys-in both houses of Congress, by members of both political parties, in the White House and executive agencies, and especially among American voters-we expect to see a vote soon-and to see this fuel available nationwide. This legislation is critically important for consumers, for our country’s struggling farmers, and for American energy independence.”

The House is expected to take up the farm bill again this morning.