Senate Democrats and Republicans have been battling for more than a week over how to move forward with the bill. Harkin and other Democrats on Friday blamed Republicans for tying up the process by offering amendments to the farm bill that are not relevant to U.S. agricultural policy, such as a measure related to providing driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants.

GOP senators countered that a procedural move by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) prevented them from offering amendments to the bill. Reid “filled the tree” by offering all of the possible amendments and second-degree amendments possible, which prevented Republicans from offering their own amendments.

In a floor speech before the vote was taken, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he was disappointed by the process surrounding the farm bill, but insisted one would still move through the Senate.

“The Senate will pass a farm bill — that is certain — but only after an open and fair debate on the Senate floor,” McConnell said. He noted that the 2002 farm bill passed after about a week on the floor after attempts to limit amendments on that bill failed.