Senate Vote Sends the Right Message

GREAT FALLS, MT (May 15, 2008) – The U.S. Senate today voted 81-15 to pass the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

“The Senate delivered a great victory today in its resounding vote for the Farm Bill,” said Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill. “The vote in the Senate following on the heels of a veto-proof vote in the House sends a strong message to all Americans that this bill is a much needed and comprehensive approach to agricultural and nutrition policy developed with strong bipartisan support.”

Parts of the bill that are particularly important to Farmers Union include establishing a permanent disaster assistance title to assist producers who suffer from weather-related disasters. In addition, country-of-origin labeling will finally be implemented this fall. Also of great benefit to Montana producers is the approval of interstate shipment of state inspected meat and a livestock title. Spending on conservation programs in this bill is increased by $7.9 billion, and funding for renewable energy initiatives increased as well.

“I’ve said it before, but this bill really could be called a Food and Farm Bill,” said Merrill. “More than 70 percent of the $300 billion legislated over five years will go to nutrition programs, which is an increase of $10.361 billion. Farmers and ranchers are allocated approximately 16 percent of the bill’s funds,” he said.

“A special thanks is due to Montana Senators Baucus and Tester, who have worked diligently for the passage of this bill,” said Merrill. “Senator Baucus, in his position as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, really helped to move this bill forward and we thank him for his hard work.”

The bill now will be sent to the President. “The President has said repeatedly that he will veto the bill,” said Merrill. “Now we must wait to see what the President will decide. The Senate and the House have sent him a strong message. We encourage the President to sign this bill.”

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