CONGRESS RETURNS TO WORK WITH AGRICULTURE ISSUES ON AGENDA
News Date February 25, 2008
The House and Senate return to work February 25 after a week-long congressional recess. Lawmakers are facing a busy agenda and several important agricultural issues are scheduled for debate.
The House will consider a renewable energy tax package (H.R. 5351) this week which includes a new production tax credit for cellulosic ethanol. The Senate will debate another economic stimulus package that is focused on the housing and mortgage industry. In addition to the ongoing 2007 farm bill negotiations (see separate story), a number of hearings are scheduled on issues related to agriculture. In the House, the Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on USDA oversight and the Energy and Commerce Committee will review the private sector's accountability for contaminated foods. The panel will also discuss the role of state and local government efforts on climate change, including a cap-and-trade system for controlling greenhouse gas emissions. The Senate Appropriations Committee has scheduled a hearing on the recent beef recall with USDA officials providing testimony. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)