House Passes Farm Bill

Today, the House passed, H.R. 2419, the 2007 Farm Bill, which reauthorized various agricultural programs through 2012. After voting on multiple amendments, the House passed the bill by a vote of 231-191. Republicans failed to pass a motion to recommit the bill back to the House Agriculture Committee, which would have sent the legislation back to the beginning of the legislative process. Instead, Democratic leaders were able to keep their rank and file members in line, passing the bill and taking the first major step towards reauthorizing the nation’s agricultural programs.


The nutrition title of the bill authorizes $70 million for expanding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) into 35 schools in each state. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) would then distribute additional funds, as necessary, to states based on population. The original proposal called for 50 schools in every state, but the $100 million was contingent on offsets. The new language guarantees the $70 million, but for a scaled back expansion. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) offered an amendment that requests that food, available under the school breakfast and lunch programs, be of maximum nutritional value as a means to reduce juvenile obesity. The amendment passed by an overwhelming majority of 422-3.
While the House has finished their work, the Senate has not begun work on their Farm Bill. Senate Agriculture Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) says he has no plans to try and move a Senate bill through his panel before the August recess. Instead he hopes to move on a bill when Congress reconvenes in September. After the Senate passes their versio, they still have to go to conference with the House. The bill will not likely cross the President’s desk before October.
Resources:
Charlene Carter, “New Farm Bill Will Not Become Law Until This Fall,” Congress Now, July 23, 2007.
Jennifer Bendery, “Over GOP Objections, House Approves Farm Bill Rule, 222-202,” Congress Now, July 26, 2007.
Author: SAS