NACIA Farm Bill Update
May 6, 2008
Even after the passage of a two-week extension and a late night session last Thursday, it is difficult to project whether or not there will end up being a new Farm Bill this year.
This morning, there was an open invitation meeting for agriculture and related groups. Chairman Peterson and Representative Pomeroy encouraged those in attendance to lobby House Members to vote for passage of the Conference Report when it comes to the Floor.
In relation to timing, Chairman Peterson expressed his initial intention to file tonight and have the Conference Report on the Floor by Thursday. However, the report will not be ready by tonight, and Chairman Peterson stated that he did not want to file a report and bring it up on the Floor the next day, due to the fact that many Members would be upset at having insufficient time to review the bill. He stated that there will be a 1:00 p.m. principals’ meeting today to work out some of the remaining issues, and he hoped to have everything resolved in time to file and bring up the report next Wednesday, May 14. Chairman Peterson asserted that he did not believe there will be another public Conference meeting.
While many have been seeking information regarding what will actually be in the Conference Report, nothing has been made public yet. We are not sure when everyone interested will be able to view any copies of the report, but Chairman Peterson indicated that his staff will make every effort to post summaries and other information as it comes available on the Committee website, possibly later this week.
The issues he stated were outstanding for the principals’ meeting included AGI limits, whether or not the AGI limits would apply to conservation, and an outstanding CBO score on loan rates and target prices provisions.
Chairman Peterson then mentioned the main concerns of the Administration that would also be discussed:
- AGI Limits, on both Farm and Non-Farm Income;
- Beneficial Interest;
- Cash for Local Purchases in relation to P.L. 480; and
- Sugar Provisions.
Representative Pomeroy urged the groups present to contact House Members with which they have a relationship and ask for a yes vote on the Conference Report. He stated that they were looking for a good vote in the House to reflect a consensus and the widespread support that they have worked to build for this bill. In the case that the President vetoes the bill, it would take 290 votes to override the veto.
While the outcome of today’s principals’ meeting will be telling, it is currently very difficult to predict the likelihood of White House acceptance.
Brent W. Gattis
NACIA Washington Rep
http://www.nacia.org/membership.html
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