FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT:
January 28, 2014 Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352
Press Release: Agriculture Committee Announces Agreement on Farm Bill
Congressman Filemon Vela, who sits on the Conference Committee, Supports Final Passage of The Agricultural Act of 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the Conference Committee tasked with negotiating a new five-year farm bill announced that a final agreement has been reached to set agricultural and food policy for the United States. The last comprehensive farm bill was passed by Congress in 2008.
“I have been working hard to ensure that members of the conference committee understand South Texas agricultural interests and the importance of programs such as SNAP to South Texas families,” said Congressman Vela. “Many provisions found in this bipartisan, bicameral bill will benefit South Texas including a requirement that the Secretary of State annually report to Congress on efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty obligations and deliver water to the Rio Grande. This measure will allow Congress to properly monitor efforts by the U.S. government to enforce the 1944 Water Treaty.”
“I am proud of our efforts to finish a farm bill conference report with significant savings and reforms,” said Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. “We are putting in place sound policy that is good for farmers, ranchers, consumers, and those who have hit difficult times. I appreciate the work of everyone who helped in this process. We never lost sight of the goal, we never wavered in our commitment to enacting a five-year, comprehensive farm bill. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting its passage.”
“Today’s bipartisan agreement puts us on the verge of enacting a five-year Farm Bill that saves taxpayers billions, eliminates unnecessary subsidies, creates a more effective farm safety-net and helps farmers and businesses create jobs,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “This bill proves that by working across party lines we can reform programs to save taxpayer money while strengthening efforts to grow our economy. Agriculture is a bright spot in our economy and is helping to drive our recovery. It’s time for Congress to finish this Farm Bill and give the 16 million Americans working in agriculture the certainty they need and deserve.”
"I am pleased that we were able to work together, putting aside partisanship to finally advance a five-year farm bill,” said Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Compromise is rare in Washington these days but it’s what is needed to actually get things done. While it’s no secret that I do not support some of the final bill’s provisions, I believe my reservations are outweighed by the need to provide long term certainty for agriculture and nutrition programs. This process has been going on far too long; I urge my colleagues to support this bill and the President to quickly sign it into law."
Last year, different versions of the farm bill were passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. A conference committee was established to resolve differences between the two bills. Congressman Vela was appointed by Democratic leadership as a conferee to the committee.
In Texas, there are more than 4 million individuals receiving SNAP benefits. A measure passed last year by the U.S. House of Representatives reduced SNAP funding by $39 billion. However, the farm bill conference report only reduces SNAP funding by approximately $8 billion.
Passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014 will help South Texas farmers, ranchers and business owners grow the economy. The legislation:
· Provides transition payments to producers of upland cotton in light of the repeal of direct payments;
· Extends current sugar policy through 2018;
· Continues to support consumer demand for fresh fruits and vegetables and increases support for farmers’ markets;
· Supports new farmers and ranchers with training and access to capital;
· Increases assistance for food banks;
· Invests in pilot projects to encourage employment and training opportunities for families in need;
· Creates initiatives to help veterans start agriculture businesses; and
· Invests in research to promote agricultural innovation.
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