The
House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill authorizing nearly $1
trillion in spending on farm subsidies and nutrition programs, setting the
stage for final passage of a new five-year farm bill that has been stalled for
over two years.
Negotiators
from the House and Senate spent several weeks working out their differences on
issues in the legislation, including cuts to food stamps, income caps on farm
subsidies and a price support program for dairy farmers. The bill is expected
to save about $16.6 billion over the next 10 years.
The
bill passed the House by a vote of 251 to 166. The Senate is expected to take
up the bill later this week.
The
American Farm Bureau Federation supports the new Farm Bill, which was filed
late Monday. AFBF President Bob Stallman released the following statement
earlier today:
“The
American Farm Bureau Federation commends the House for its passage of the new
five-year farm bill today. It’s been a tough road for the legislation during
the past two years, but we are pleased with the clear bipartisan vote that
prevailed. We appreciate the conferees’ diligent work in making some tough
decisions to put forth a solid bill and in getting it to this crucial point.
“We now turn our attention to the Senate for timely passage of the bill, which will provide farmers and ranchers certainty for the coming year and allow the Agriculture Department to begin planning for implementation of the bill’s provisions.
“Farm Bureau is optimistic the final 2014 farm bill will soon be ready for the president’s signature, and America’s farmers and ranchers can, with certainty, continue with their business of providing food and jobs for America.”
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