Farming is unpredictable, so farmers buy insurance. But unlike your car or life insurance, taxpayers pick up most of the tab.

The farm bill moving through Congress today provides a great reminder of how Washington works: Whenever you see a government subsidy for some sympathetic cause or group — such as the working man, green energy, homeownership or college — there’s a good chance that the financial industry is also pocketing taxpayer cash through the same program.