House Approves Farm Bill with Veto-Proof Majority
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
 Printable Format
Washington, D.C.—House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement after passage of the Conference Report on H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007.
“Veto-proof passage of the Farm Bill Conference Report sends a clear and resounding message that the New Direction Congress remains strongly committed to helping our nation’s farmers, investing in alternative energy resources, and preserving our pristine natural environment. The Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act is a bipartisan bill that will move our nation’s agriculture, energy, and environmental policies in a New Direction.
“I’m proud that nearly three-fourths of the legislation is devoted to nutrition programs that help 38 million American families afford healthy food. Updates to the food stamp program will help about 11 million people by 2012. Critical relief is provided to food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens by increasing TEFAP funding by $1.25 billion – with $50 million for immediate shortages at food pantries. And our children will be more effective in school with a $1 billion investment in healthy snacks.
“The legislation also provides for America’s farmers, the heart of our economy, by making disaster assistance a permanent program for farmers with crops stricken by natural disasters such as drought and flood. It also protects consumers by making critical food labeling of our meat supply and produce mandatory. Additionally it invests $7.9 million in conservation programs that reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water and air quality, increase wildlife habitat and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. And it provides the most dramatic reform in 30 years by ending payments to farmers who don’t need the help.
“The Farm Bill invests in solid infrastructure in our rural communities through the establishment of three economic development commissions: the Southeast Crescent Authority, the Southwest Border Commission, and the Northern Border Commission. These commissions represent significant legislative victories for distressed rural counties and will serve as catalysts for economic development in these regions. Furthermore, this legislation also honors our obligations to the working poor by providing more than $10 billion in new funding for federal nutrition programs over the next 10 years.
“Demonstrating the importance of good stewardship of the environment, this legislation enacts strong energy and conservation provisions, which will protect our environment and natural resources. This bill also takes significant steps toward ending our dependence on foreign oil through the research and the development of cellulosic ethanol. This innovative industry has the potential to transform rural communities across the Southeast and create new economies through alternative energy production.
“In addition, this comprehensive farm proposal recognizes the extensive contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to agricultural advancement and research. The Farm Bill encourages additional funding for research and development in bio-energy and bio-mass fields for HBCUs.
“Our rural communities serve as fundamental pillars in the development and advancement of our society. This legislation will provide rural America with the tools and resources necessary to keep America moving forward.”
|
