House Presents a Veto-Proof Vote

Montana Farmers Union (MFU) President Alan Merrill offers the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives vote on the Farm Bill.

“The House vote of 318:106 in favor of the Farm Bill is a resounding message of support to farmers, ranchers, rural communities and Americans in need everywhere. Montana Farmers Union thanks Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) for his positive vote and leadership on this effort in the House.

“While this bill is not perfect, many of the needs and goals of Montana’s agriculture community have been addressed including:

- Permanent disaster assistance;

- Country-of-origin labeling (COOL), which will finally be implemented;

- Interstate shipment of state inspected meat will be allowed;

- A livestock title (for the first time);

- Increased funding for conservation and renewable energy;

- Programs for fruit and vegetable growers;

- Nutrition increases that are indexed to inflation.

“It is important to remember that this bill could rightfully be called a Food and Farm Bill, because more than two-thirds of the bill will go to nutrition, while approximately 16 percent will go to agriculture.

“With spring work beginning to wind down, it is crucial to move this bill forward. Now we encourage the U.S. Senate to follow suit and also deliver a vote with a veto-proof margin.”

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