FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: 202-224-7777
October 26, 2001

Miller Calls For Immediate Action on Farm Bill
and Praises Passage of Agriculture Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON - To help Georgia's farmers and to stimulate the nation's sagging economy, U.S. Senator Zell Miller (D-GA) today called on Congress to pass a new Farm Bill immediately rather than delaying it until next year.

The House has already passed its version of a new Farm Bill, which sets federal agriculture policies and funding for the next decade. The Senate has yet to act on the Farm Bill, and some are pressing Congress to delay passage of a new bill until the current one expires next year.

"I'd like to add my voice to those in Congress who think that we should take action on a Farm Bill this year," Miller said. "We all know we need to stimulate the economy, and I think a great place to start would be on our farms. The economic jolt from a new Farm Bill would be felt not only in tractor, chemical and irrigation sales, but it would also filter into the local banks, car dealerships, restaurants and department stores."

Miller also said delaying action on a Farm Bill until next year could put in jeopardy the extra $74 billion Miller and others fought for and won in the budget this year to meet our long-term obligations to American farmers. A new Farm Bill also would prevent us from having to pass emergency farm relief bills in future years at a time when the money might not be there.

"There are serious budget ramifications if we wait another year to pass a Farm Bill," Miller said. "We must act immediately for the sake of our farmers and for the sake of our economy."

Miller said the fast action by the House on the Farm Bill has led many in the agricultural industry to believe they would have a new bill this year. In Georgia, industry reaction has been detrimental to growers. Georgia peanut shellers, for example, are making market decisions in anticipation of a new Farm Bill that could result in financial losses for Georgia peanut growers - losses the growers themselves would have to cover.

"While the House version of the Farm Bill isn't perfect, it is better than nothing. So, if the Senate is unwilling to consider a Farm Bill before we adjourn, I believe we would be far better off passing the House version rather than waiting a year," Miller said.

Miller also praised the Senate's passage Thursday night of a $73.9 billion spending bill for agriculture. The spending plan includes more than $87 million for Georgia agricultural research and rural development projects.

"I am pleased to see such strong support for Georgia's worthy research and rural development projects," Miller said.

The House has passed its version of the agriculture appropriations bill, and a House-Senate conference committee must now negotiate the differences between the two plans.

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