Kildee Votes to Override Bush’s Farm Bill Veto

Washington, D.C. – Democrats and Republicans in the House today voted 316-108 to override President George Bush’s veto of H.R. 2419, the Food, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act, also commonly termed the ‘Farm Bill.’ The bill, which was passed last week by both the House and Senate, would reauthorize our nation’s agricultural policy and numerous nutrition, energy and conservation programs.  

 

The Farm Bill includes provisions to reform the sugar program by increasing the loan rate for beet and raw cane sugar. The bill also creates a new program allowing the United Stated Department of Agriculture to facilitate the purchase and sale of excess sugar for use in ethanol production.

 

Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) today released the following statement after voting to override President Bush’s veto of the Farm Bill:

 

“I was disappointed by the veto of this bill that would certainly help Michigan farmers, but I am pleased that the House had the wisdom to overturn his efforts and to support our farmers. A healthy agricultural economy helps the entire state.

 

“Michigan farmers will benefit from an increased loan rate on beet sugar that will bring added stability to sugar markets and security to family farms. And at a time when gas prices in Michigan are breaking records, Bush tried to reject provisions that would use domestically grown, excess sugar to produce ethanol.”

 

For more information, visit: http://www.house.gov/list/press/mi05_kildee/pr_051408_FarmBill.html.