Politics

Latest Farm Bill Action

Yesterday, both chambers of Congress voted to once again extend the 2002 Farm Bill. The short-term extension (H.R. 5578) would extend some programs of the 2002 Farm Bill through April 18th. The current extension of the 2002 Farm Bill expires this Saturday, March 15th.

Although it was a necessary action to avoid reverting to the original 1949 farm law, it should in no way be interpreted as an acceptable substitute to a new omnibus Farm Bill. It is my hope that all Members, Republican and Democratic, as well as the Administration come to a consensus on the remaining issues of contention so that a Farm Bill, that does not ask one stakeholder of the bill to disproportionately carry the off-set load, can be advanced into law. The American public does not benefit from political bickering and finger-pointing. It is in the interest of our country to craft and pass a Farm Bill that serves the interests of the American producer, consumer and taxpayer. -Mike

Full post as published by Mike Conaway's Blog on March 13, 2008 (boomark / email).