FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT
January 30, 2014 Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352
Press Release: Farm Bill Passes House with Bipartisan Support
Congressman Filemon Vela, who Sat on Conference Committee, Supported Passage of $956 Billion Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives, with bipartisan support, passed a $956 billion farm bill by a vote of 251 to 166. 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 as a conferee to the committee. Earlier in the week, the Conference Committee announced that a bipartisan agreement had been reached. The last comprehensive farm bill was passed by Congress in 2008.
“I worked hard as a member of the conference committee to ensure that my colleagues understood South Texas agricultural interests and the importance of programs such as SNAP to South Texas families,” said Congressman Vela. “I am proud that the conference committee produced a conference report which received bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives. Many provisions found in this bipartisan 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 anticipate the U.S. Senate will soon pass the farm bill and it will be sent to the President for his signature. ”
"I am pleased a majority of my House colleagues joined me in supporting a five-year, comprehensive farm bill. I appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped get us here. This is legislation we can all be proud of because it fulfills the expectations the American people have of us. They expect us to work together to find ways to reduce the cost of the federal government. The Agricultural Act contributes major savings to deficit reduction, significant reforms to policy, and yet still provides a safety net not only for the production of American food and fiber, but also to ensure our fellow citizens have enough food to eat. I am hopeful this legislation will enjoy the same success when the Senate considers it, and I encourage the president to sign it quickly into law," said Frank Lucas(R-OK), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
"We are on the verge of achieving major reform," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "Today's House vote puts us one step closer to finally enacting a five-year Farm Bill that helps farmers and businesses create jobs in Michigan and saves taxpayers billions. This bill eliminates unnecessary subsidies, creates a more effective farm safety-net and strengthens our commitment to conservation of land and water."
"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."
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 only reduces SNAP funding by approximately $8 billion.
Passage of the bipartisan Agricultural Act of 2014 helps 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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