WASHINGTON, DC – As the conference committee wrapped up an agreement on the 2008 Farm Bill Conference Committee Report, Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX-19) released the following statement:

“I am pleased the conference committee was able to reach agreement on the 2008 Farm Bill. This is a substantial step towards this legislation becoming law.  Seed has been planted across America, and it is time to set a farm policy that gives producers certainty for this crop season and beyond. As final language and budget numbers are completed, it is my expectation that the House and Senate will vote on this final Farm Bill package next week.

“While this legislation will make some changes I do not support, farm policy overall will remain very similar to policy under the 2002 Farm Bill, which producers across the district tell me has suited them well.  Because of the delay in completing this legislation, no major changes will be implemented for the 2008 crop year.

“I call on the House and Senate leadership to bring this long overdue legislation to the respective chambers for consideration as soon as possible. Additionally, I spoke directly to the Secretary of Agriculture and the White House yesterday to stress the importance of signing this bill into law.

“While only 16 percent of this bill deals directly with agriculture production, it is that 16 percent that serves as the vehicle for the various other provisions in the bill. Without food production, nutrition and food assistance programs become irrelevant.

“In the 19th Congressional District, producers have crops in the ground and throughout the nation the planting season is well underway. We cannot afford to move forward without a sound farm policy for our producers.  Without it, we face the risk of losing agriculture infrastructure and becoming dependent on other nations for food and fiber as we already are for energy.

“Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and finally take this long overdue legislation across the finish line. Again, I urge both the Senate and House leadership to bring this to a vote as soon as possible and ask that my colleagues support this critical legislation. Most importantly, I call on President Bush to sign this bill as soon as it reaches his desk. Should the President decide to veto this legislation, I will vote to override his veto and will encourage my colleagues to do so as well.”