Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Farm Bill Continues to Move Through Senate
The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 runs the gamut: it helps dairy farmers and sends an unprecedented level of assistance to specialty crop producers; boosts rural area jobs through rural development; invests in conservation to increase water quality and wildlife habitat; puts more food on the table for low-income families and improves the diets of our school kids; and invests in renewable energy resources to enhance our energy security.
And today, the bill is again back on track. The deadlock has been broken and an agreement that will allow up to 20 amendments on each side will keep debate moving throughout this week. I am optimistic that if the Senate moves at this pace, we can conclude debate and bring the bill to a final vote before the holiday recess.
However, I caution that this is by no means a done deal. There are still major issues that could derail it. In addition, here at the end of the legislative year, the White House appears to pursuing a strategy of obstruction on just about every bill that comes down the pike. But I am hopeful that the farm bill can be an exception to that negative strategy. I believe that there is a critical mass of Senators - Republicans and Democrats alike - who genuinely want to pass a farm bill, and they want to do it this year.
The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 came together in a bipartisan fashion and the work on it continues today is bipartisan. It came to this chamber with great momentum - momentum that continues today and will bring critical investments to farm and rural families and the nation.
