Chairwoman Stabenow Statement on Expected Doubling in Consumer Milk Prices, Following House’s Failure to Pass Farm Bill

Chairwoman Stabenow Statement on Expected Doubling in Consumer Milk Prices, Following House’s Failure to Pass Farm Bill Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today released the following statement concerning the expected doubling in consumer milk prices come January 1, as a result of the House’s failure to pass a new farm bill. While the Senate passed a strong, bipartisan farm bill with overwhelming support that saves taxpayers $23 billion, House Republican leadership has refused to bring the farm bill to the floor for consideration. As a result, the agriculture economy and the 16 million jobs that rely on agriculture will soon face uncertainty. "Fiscal cliff tax increases would hit middle class families' pocketbooks, but so would paying six or seven dollars for a gallon of milk. It is absolutely critical that Congress pass a new five-year Farm Bill to keep food prices stable and protect America's 16 million agriculture jobs. The Farm Bill reforms programs and cuts spending by $23 billion, so including it in a final deficit reduction deal will help the country avoid the fiscal cliff."