NACIA Farm Bill Update - Senate Conferees Named
2/6/08

In Washington, the weather has varied back and forth between winter and spring-like, just like the Farm Bill outlook varies between impossible and still a chance.  
 
Not much has changed since last week. Staff continues to meet to discuss non-controversial provisions in the bill, and sources for funding and the Administration’s veto threat continue to be the major obstacles to final passage.  
 
However, there has been one bit of news – the Senate has now named Conferees. Late Monday evening, the Senate nominated the following Senators, all members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, to participate in the Conference Committee, which will be chaired by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Harkin (D-IA):
 
Democrats

• Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus (D-MT)
• Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Kent Conrad (D-ND)
• Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy (D-VT);
• Senate Agriculture Committee Member Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)  
• Senate Agriculture Committee Member Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

Republicans

• Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
• Former Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN)
• Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Charles Grassley (R-IA)
• Ranking Member Senate Appropriations Committee, Thad Cochran (R-MS)
• Senate Agriculture Committee Member Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS)

The House has not yet named Conferees, and has not indicated when or if it will do so. As a result, the Senate action does not mean any substantive changes in the situation will occur, for now at least.  

Reports state that Senator Harkin has reaffirmed his support for the nutrition, conservation, renewable energy, and rural development provisions of the Farm Bill, and Senator Chambliss has expressed his desire to complete the bill as soon as possible.  

We continue to be in contact with both House and Senate staff, and will continue to monitor the Farm Bill Reauthorization status, although it does not appear to be making drastic changes anytime soon. We will notify you as the situation progresses, and keep you updated as events occur.  

We wanted to let you know that for your convenience, you can pay your 2008 NACIA dues online.

If you would prefer to pay by check, the link will also take you the membership form, which can be printed, filled out, and mailed in with your payment.

As always, if you have any questions or need anything, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Brent W. Gattis
NACIA Washington Representative