FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              PRESS CONTACT:

February 7, 2014                                                             Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352

PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Joins President Obama at Farm Bill Signing at Michigan State University

Vela, who Sat on Farm Bill Conference Committee, Set to Attend Historic Event in East Lansing, Michigan

EAST LANSING, M.I. –Today, Congressman Vela will witness President Obama's signing of the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill, into law.  Congressman Vela was invited by the White House to attend today's signing ceremony.   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.   Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, with bipartisan support, passed the $956 billion Farm Bill.  Pursuant to Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, the President must sign the legislation for it to become law.  

"It is an honor to be invited by the White House to witness the President sign this significant legislation into law," said Congressman Vela. "Today's event is the culmination of months of negotiations by the Farm Bill conference committee members. 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.  I am proud that the conference committee produced a bill which received bipartisan support in Congress and will become law today with the President's signature.  Many provisions in the Farm 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. ”

During his remarks, the President is expected to address the importance of the Farm Bill to the economy and the long-term certainty it creates for America’s farmers, ranchers and producers. The President may also highlight his "Made in Rural America" initiative to assist businesses in rural communities identify export opportunities overseas. 

The Farm Bill:

·      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;

·      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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