The House rejected a $867 billion farm bill Friday — after spending days negotiating with key conservatives to ensure that the bill could pass without the support of Democrats, says NPR.
The vote was 198 to 213. All Democrats voted against the measure, and were joined by 30 Republicans.
Read the full report here.
Jimmie Musick, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President and Sentinel, OK, farmer says his association is disappointed that the Farm Bill reauthorization process has stalled.
"Between low commodity prices, a suffering ag economy, extreme weather conditions, and disease, growers need access to a strong Farm Bill after September 30," he says. “Congress needs to enact a Farm Bill before the current one expires to give farmers long-term certainty that a safety net will be available through these uncertain and difficult economic conditions.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall also urged members of Congress to not use members of the ag industry as pawns in a political game.
“We are already starting to hear from farmers across the nation, many of whom are perplexed and outraged at this vote," says Duvall. "They are facing very real financial challenges. The risk management tools of the farm bill are too important, particularly at a time of depressed farm prices. We urge the House to pass H.R. 2 as soon as possible.”
