Harkin: Solve it

Sen. Tom Harkin is anxious for debate to begin again on the farm bill. What's more, Harkin and others also have planned a press conference this afternoon to rally support for farm bill nutrition issues. From his office:


Harkin Calls on Senate to Resolve Procedural Disputes And Resume Consideration of the Farm Bill

Bill Stalls after Objections Raised Over Irrelevant Amendments; Administration Veto Threat Still Looms

Washington, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today issued the following statement in response to the Senate consideration of the farm bill, which has stalled because of procedural maneuvering.

“This farm bill has already come so far to get to this point. The Senate Agriculture Committee overcame strict budget limitations to craft a bill that is good for America and is fiscally responsible. The Committee delivered a strong, bipartisan measure that maintains farm income protection and makes critical investments in nutrition, conservation, renewable energy and rural development. Yet today, our work has come to a screeching halt over procedural maneuvering to attach amendments to this bill irrelevant to agriculture policy.

“Everyone knows what is at stake in this farm bill debate and the consequences of inaction. While this Senate debates procedure, families in rural communities await broadband access, farmers look for the resources that will help conserve our natural resources and elementary school children await better access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

“With the Administration’s misguided veto threat looming over this bill, we cannot waste one more day – one more minute – debating procedure. I urge all of my colleagues to come together so can we resolve the issues raised by the Administration and bring the advancements in this farm bill to realization.”