November 13, 2007
The Honorable Harry Reid The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader Minority Leader
United States Senate United States Senate
528 Hart Senate Office Building 361A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:
The undersigned organizations write to urge prompt resolution to the amendment process for the 2007 farm legislation. We were encouraged the Senate moved to consideration of the legislation, but disappointed by the lack of progress made last week.
As you know, important provisions of current farm law have recently expired. Farmers and ranchers need to have policy in place in order to make well-informed financing, cropping and marketing decisions. And, it is important to farmers and ranchers, rural communities and other stakeholders to have conservation, nutrition, energy, risk management, trade, research and other policies in place as soon as possible.
While each of our organizations may have differing opinions on policy provisions in the legislation, we agree it is critically important for the full Senate to approve a bill expeditiously so a conference committee can be appointed and a final bill approved before the end of the year. With Congress scheduled to recess beginning Friday, November 16, few days remain for the Senate to conclude its work.
Thank you for your consideration of our views and recommendations; we look forward to working with you to develop and implement an effective new farm law as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Soybean Association
American Sugar Alliance
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Barley Growers Association
National Cotton Council
National Farmers Union
National Sorghum Growers
National Sunflower Association
Southern Peanut Farmers Federation
US Canola Association
US Rice Producers Association
USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council
USA Rice Federation