President Barack Obama speaks at the White House this morning about the end to the government shutdown. (White House video)

In his remarks Thursday on reopening the government and moving forward with legislation, President Barack Obama cited the need to pass a farm bill and noted that a bill has passed the Senate with bipartisan support, but he went on to say it still needs to pass the House.

After noting the need to passage a budget and an immigration bill, Obama said:

“Number three, we should pass a farm bill, one that American farmers and ranchers can depend on; one that protects vulnerable children and adults in times of need; one that gives rural communities opportunities to grow and the long-term certainty that they deserve.

“Again, the Senate has already passed a solid bipartisan bill. It's got support from Democrats and Republicans. It’s sitting in the House waiting for passage. If House Republicans have ideas that they think would improve the farm bill, let’s see them. Let’s negotiate. What are we waiting for? Let’s get this done.

“So, passing a budget; immigration reform; farm bill. Those are three specific things that would make a huge difference in our economy right now. And we could get them done by the end of the year if our focus is on what’s good for the American people. And that’s just the big stuff. There are all kinds of other things that we could be doing that don’t get as much attention. “

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., issued a news release headlined, “Fact Check Mr. President: The House and Senate already started farm bill negotiations.”

• White House — Remarks by the President on the Reopening of the Government
• House Committee on Agriculture — Fact Check Mr. President: House and Senate Have Already Started Farm Bill Negotiations.