WASHINGTON, D.C.–You’ve heard it from Senators Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran. The Farm Bill was expected to pass the U.S. Senate Tuesday, adjusting the subsidies farmers get from the federal government and reducing food stamp (SNAP) benefits by about one percent per year.
Cochran is co-sponsor of the bill, along with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Cochran is Ranking Member on the committee.
The bill, in short, ends direct payment subsidies, saves taxpayers $23 billion, and helps America’s agriculture economy continue to grow, according to a news release from Cochran and Stabenow. They said it significantly increases support for fruits and vegetables and local food systems. It also protects critical food assistance for children, seniors and families while achieving savings in the program solely by addressing misuse. It is also the country’s largest investment in land and water conservation in years.
“The Senate has an opportunity to end the uncertainty that has dogged farmers and consumers for years,” said Cochran. “I am grateful that the 2014 farm bill, with its many reforms and deficit reduction measures, is receiving bipartisan support from all regions of the country. This legislation was purposely written to ensure that agriculture policies work to strengthen the diversity of the American agriculture sector, to foster conservation and combat nutrition program abuses.”
“This is not your father’s Farm Bill,” said Stabenow.. “The Senate can enact major reforms to farm programs, end outdated and unnecessary subsidies, and support the transition the American people are already making to a healthier food system. Congress has passed few major deficit reduction bills or major bipartisan jobs bills in recent years. The Senate can reduce the deficit and help farmers, ranchers and business owners create jobs by passing the 2014 Farm Bill.”
For more information, and a summary of the Agricultural Act of 2014, visit the Senate Agriculture Committee’s website at http://www.ag.senate.gov/
