U.S. House passes farm bill 251-166

by | Jan 29, 2014 | News

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday morning the full House of Representatives voted on the farm bill conference report. The report passed easily with a 251-166 vote.

Conference reports from committees, such as the committee convened for the farm bill, can be passed or rejected, but cannot be amended.

Following the vote, House Agriculture Committee Chair and Oklahoma Rep. Frank Lucas made the following statement:

“I am pleased a majority of my House colleagues joined me in supporting a five-year, comprehensive farm bill,” Rep. Lucas said. “I appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped get us here. This is legislation we can all be proud of because it fulfills the expectations the American people have of us. They expect us to work together to find ways to reduce the cost of the federal government. The Agricultural Act [of 2014] contributes major savings to deficit reduction, significant reforms to policy, and yet still provides a safety net not only for the production of American food and fiber, but also to ensure our fellow citizens have enough food to eat. I am hopeful this legislation will enjoy the same success when the Senate considers it, and I encourage the president to sign it quickly into law.”

Also after the vote Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow stated the following:

?We are on the verge of achieving major reform. Today?s House vote puts us one step closer to finally enacting a five-year Farm Bill that helps farmers and businesses create jobs across the country and saves taxpayers billions. This bill eliminates unnecessary subsidies, creates a more effective farm safety-net and strengthens our commitment to conservation of land and water. It?s now up to the Senate to take the final step. The Senate has twice passed the farm bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. I have no doubt we?ll do it again, and show that it is possible to do something to reduce the deficit and boost the economy when people work across the aisle. My congratulations, and my thanks, to my House colleagues, Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson, for their commitment to American agriculture, and their friendship throughout this process.?