U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today issued the following statement regarding the House's failure to pass a Farm Bill. The Senate Farm Bill, titled the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act, passed the chamber earlier this month with overwhelming bipartisan support on a 66-27 vote.
'Twice the Senate has overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan Farm Bill that reforms farm programs, ends direct payments, cuts spending, and creates American agriculture jobs.
'The House needs to find a way to get a five year Farm Bill done. The Speaker needs to work in a bipartisan way and present a bill that Democrats and Republicans can support. He could start by bringing the Senate bill to the floor for a vote.
'Maintaining the status quo means no reform, no deficit reduction, and further uncertainty that slows growth in our agriculture industry. This is totally unacceptable.'
For a summary of the 2013 Senate Farm Bill, please click here.