Citing their "unusual display of unity," 32 farm and lender groups
today, November 28, urged the Senate to approve a new farm bill "without
delay." The groups said it "is imperative that the Senate finish work on
its bill so it can be reconciled" with the House version and enacted into
law before the end of 2001.
"While we may differ on the specific provisions we believe should be
included in a farm bill, we all agree that a new farm law is needed to
provide an economic boost to rural America," said Leland Swenson,
president of the National Farmers Union. "Without Senate action, farmers
and ranchers will be denied a much-needed safety net during this period of
depressed commodity prices. This is a stimulus package everyone should
support."
American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said the broad
consensus expressed by the farm groups should "convince 60 senators of the
grassroots support for proceeding on the farm bill." Stallman noted that
it will take 60 votes in favor of starting debate on the bill.
"We need a bill before Congress adjourns," said Stallman. "Producers
need certainty and stability to plan for next year's crops."
The groups also urged the Senate to consider the farm bill without
attaching other non-agricultural legislative initiatives, such as pending
energy legislation. While agriculture strongly supports an energy bill
that includes renewable energy provisions, attaching it to the farm bill
won't allow for quick passage.
"An unencumbered farm bill is the only way to get the bill passed by
the Senate and through a conference committee so that Congress can approve
a final bill this year," the groups noted.
