Agricultural News
Senate Poised to Support Agricultural Act of 2014
Tue, 04 Feb 2014 04:07:09 CST
The U.S. Senate cleared a procedural hurdle Monday afternoon and voted to proceed to consideration of the 2014 Farm Bill, paving the way for a final vote on the measure early Tuesday afternoon. Cloture was invoked with strong bipartisan support of 72-22. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), the Committee's Ranking Member, co-authored the bipartisan reform bill that ends direct payment subsidies, saves taxpayers $23 billion, and helps America's agriculture economy continue to grow. The bill significantly increases support for fruits and vegetables and local food systems. It also protects critical food assistance for children, seniors and families while achieving savings in the program solely by addressing misuse. It is also the country's largest investment in land and water conservation in years.
The Farm Bill is supported by hundreds of farm, healthy food, conservation and other organizations. Click here to view a list of some of the industry supporters of the measure.
"This is not your father's Farm Bill," Stabenow said. "Tomorrow, the Senate can enact major reforms to farm programs, end outdated and unnecessary subsidies, and support the transition the American people are already making to a healthier food system. Congress has passed few major deficit reduction bills or major bipartisan jobs bills in recent years. Tomorrow, the Senate can reduce the deficit and help farmers, ranchers and business owners create jobs by passing the 2014 Farm Bill."
"The Senate has an opportunity to end the uncertainty that has dogged farmers and consumers for years," Cochran said. "I am grateful that the 2014 farm bill, with its many reforms and deficit reduction measures, is receiving bipartisan support from all regions of the country. This legislation was purposely written to ensure that agriculture policies work to strengthen the diversity of the American agriculture sector, to foster conservation and combat nutrition program abuses."
Click on the play button below to view the explanation of the Agricultural Act of 2014 as provided on the floor of the Senate on Monday by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow.
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