Senate Snips Filibuster, Moves to Appropriations

October 13, 1999

After ending a filibuster Tuesday 79-20, the Senate neared final approval of the $8.7 billion emergency farm aid package and the rest of the agricultural appropriations bill. The vote is expected this afternoon.

Northeastern senators had held up the bill. They were unhappy it did not provide more money for eastern producers who suffered through a severe drought this summer and that the bill did not include an extension for the Northeast Dairy Compact.

"There are a lot of problems with this emergency funding package that concern me and many of my colleagues," said Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (SD). "But there is an emergency in farm country right now, and producers are in no position to wait on the perfect bill. They need assistance, and they need it now."

Daschle pledged to support the appropriations bill, then "press for ways to improve long-term farm policies to restore the farm safety net and give producers a better chance to compete."

Several Senate Democrats, led by Daschle, will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. today to outline the extent of relief they believe is needed to deal with weather-related disasters, including flood and drought. They also will discuss efforts to secure disaster funding greater than the $1.2 billion included in the agricultural appropriations bill.

Once the Senate approves the bill, it goes to President Clinton for his signature. The House already has approved the legislation. Clinton is expected to sign it. After that, the first checks could be going to farmers within a few weeks. The $5.5 billion in income enhancement will be dispensed first, then the $1.2 billion in disaster aid and $200 million earmarked for livestock producers.