WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  This week, Congress finally did the right thing and passed a Farm Bill that should be good for East Alabama.

For our hard working farmers, who have just endured a devastating drought, it’s been a long road to get here.

While it still faces a disappointing veto threat by the White House – a veto I plan to help override – it is critical Congress gets this finished for our farmers back home.

This bill is in no way perfect. It doesn’t contain all the features I’d like to have seen, but it does contain some of the most significant reforms in years. 

For example, to help reduce soil erosion and protect our land, it strengthens initiatives like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

It should also help our farmers prepare for another devastating drought. Under the bill, the Federal government will help share some of the cost for building small ponds for irrigation.

Alabama Congressman Terry Everett authored this program, which should bring long term benefits for us all.

With working families in East Alabama paying for rising food prices at the grocery store, the Farm Bill also increases funding for nutrition programs that help our nation’s most needy families.

An example here is the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides coupons to senior citizens to use at local farmers’ markets.

This program not only helps make food more affordable for some, but it also supports our local farmers by encouraging folks to buy fruits and vegetables grown right here in Alabama.

As all of us continue to feel pain at the pump, the Farm Bill includes funding to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

The bill has $120 million to fund the Biomass Research and Development Program, which should encourage research into the use of home-grown fuels like  wood chips and switch grass as a fuel source for cellulosic ethanol.  

It also creates incentives for farmers to grow these crops, which are abundant in East Alabama.

Lastly, I was also pleased to see this Farm Bill has the support of our struggling textile industry. Under the bill, our textile manufacturers should benefit from continued Federal support for purchase of cotton for their mills.

 As we approach Memorial Day, let’s all continue to keep our soldiers serving overseas and their families here at home in our thoughts and prayers.

Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, while others continue to put their lives on the front lines every day for each of us.  Let us all continue to pray for their safe return home.