Budget Constraints Will Drive House Farm Bill

August 27, 2001

When Congress returns to business Sept. 5, full House debate on the Agriculture Committee's farm bill will happen quickly because of budget constraints, according to the National Corn Growers Association. The NCGA does not support the House bill, because it "was written with a fundamental bias against corn and soybean farmers." House debate could take place the week of Sept. 10, NCGA said.

"We believe the House Ag Committee will attempt to complete and move the bill quickly, because budget constraints require them to identify how the money will be used," said NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Bruce Knight. "The funding originally allocated for the next farm bill is threatened by the shrinking budget surplus."

Knight continued, "Since the House Agriculture Committee's version of the farm bill does not favor corn, our best chance of crafting a farm bill that resembles the NCGA's proposal lies with the Senate Agriculture Committee," Knight said. Senate Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) has indicated that his committee will deliver a draft farm bill by the end of September.

"Corn growers' prospects for equitable treatment are much better in the Senate, because the corn belt states are much better represented in the Senate AgriThanks to SuperShuttle, getting to and from BWI is easier than ever. SuperShuttle offers door to door van service to and from most homes, offices or hotels located in Northern Virginia. To arrange service to BWI, reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-800-BLUE-VAN (1-800-258-3826). Service from BWI departs within 60 minutes of your request.

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