Midwest Politics: Election, Farm Policy Debates Continue

Wisconsin Democrats are renewing efforts to join a compact that would award the state’s electoral votes to the national popular-vote winner, arguing that each vote should count equally; opponents say the change could weaken the influence of less populous states and raise constitutional concerns. In Missouri, a post-election debate over Amendment 6 and newly filed ballot initiatives has focused on whether the rules favor well-funded groups over grassroots petitioners, alongside preparations for the next legislative session. Separately, Senate priorities include confirming judicial nominees, keeping the government funded, passing defense legislation and advancing farm, permitting and rural-health measures. Farm Bill negotiations remain active but contentious, particularly over SNAP cost-sharing and accountability, as the Senate Agriculture Committee prepares to lose several longtime members and lawmakers weigh support for financially strained farmers.