Senate Begins Debate on Farm Bill Amid Veto Threat
News Date November 07, 2007
The Senate began debate on the 2007 farm bill late November 5 while the Bush administration announced that it would veto the legislation because of budget concerns. Senate debate on the farm bill is expected to continue through next week and numerous amendments are expected.
On November 5, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and ranking member Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) described the farm bill titles in opening statements and urged lawmakers to support the package. The Senate will begin to consider a wide variety of amendments on November 6.
As Senate debate started, USDA Acting Secretary Chuck Conner held a press conference to outline serious concerns about the Senate farm bill saying that he would recommend a veto of the legislation. Conner said the farm bill contains "budget gimmicks and new taxes" that are unacceptable. He also expressed concern that the legislation increases trade distorting support instead of lowering it; continues a "defective" safety net, and provides little reform on payment limits. The administration's official statement of policy is expected to be released soon. (Contact: Charlie Ingram or Jennifer Yezak)