Washington, DC - Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL) issued the following statement in response to the 316 to 108 vote of the U.S. House to override President Bush's veto of The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008:

"This is good news for Vermonters since this Farm Bill reflects key Vermont priorities. It supports our dairy farmers, promotes the use of local food and energy sources, and provides Vermont's rural economy opportunities to prosper.

"It is a fiscally responsible bill that begins needed reform of our federal agriculture policy. By cutting excessive commodity payments, we boost nutrition programs to help those most in need and fund renewable energy to help put America on a path toward energy independence.

"While more reforms are in order, this is a significant step forward and I am pleased the House has rejected the president's misguided veto."

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the override later tonight.