Corn Growers Push for Expedient Action on Farm Bill (11-29-01)

Earlier this week, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-SD, and Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-MS., advising them to complete action on the farm bill this year, unencumbered by non-germane issues.

The push for expedient action on the farm bill comes as a result of NCGA's efforts to help bring an end to a five-year economic downturn that has brutalized much of rural America. According to Tim Hume, a corn grower from Walsh, Colo., and president of NCGA, "The farm bill is vital to an agriculture industry that continues to face economic hardship. Congress should enact a new farm bill to help stimulate and stabilize the rural economy."

Following on the heels of the NCGA/ASA letter to Daschle and Lott, the corn growers, and 32 other farm groups, held a press conference urging the Senate to approve a new farm bill without delay. "Although some members of Congress wish to slow the process, everyone agrees that rural America is suffering and needs new legislation that will bring equitable solutions to the present crisis."

Sens. Tom Harkin, D-IA, and Daschle spoke at the press conference, encouraging fellow Senators to refrain from adding any unrelated amendments to the farm bill. "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.

Sen. Daschle hopes to bring the farm bill to the Senate floor late this week or early next week.

Last reviewed November 29, 2001