Daschle, Combest Trade Barbs

December 10, 2001

It was partisan politics at its classic best late last week as Senate Majority Leader Tom Dashcle (D-SD) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) traded sharp criticisms over who is to blame for the Senate possibly not finishing a farm bill in time to have a conference committee finalize a bill this month.

"The farm bill we are debating is the stimulus bill for rural America and we must pass it, conference it, and send it to the President as soon as possible, and I am committed to doing all that I can to make that happen this year," said Daschle. "I do, however, remain concerned about repeated and inexplicable delays by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that make this increasingly difficult. Republicans continue to employ procedural roadblocks to slow consideration and completion of the farm bill on the Senate floor. Their tactics have already delayed this bill by well over a week."

That wasn't Combest's take on the situation. In comments to reporters, Daschle had questioned whether there was sufficient time left this month to complete a conference, although he vowed the bill would receive final Senate action.

"For the Senate to delay passage of the farm bill and then not complete their job is like shining up the tractor, driving up to the edge of the field and stalling the engine," said Combest. "It is incredible that the majority leader, who represents a state heavily dependent on farming, would abandon producers and leave them to depend on what he admits is 'a very narrow window' to send the farm bill to the president. Why isn't Senator Daschle working around the clock to pass a Senate bill and rapidly complete a conference this year? Apparently, Senator Daschle is content to leave farmers stuck in limbo for months to come."

Said Daschle, "There are only so many days left in the year; therefore, I urge my Republican colleagues to stop their dilatory tactics and pass this legislation that is so important America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities so that we can begin conference negotiations with the House immediately."

The major problem that besets both chambers and agricultural groups as well is the budget process that begins again early next year. The administration usually sends a budget to Capitol Hill in late winter, and Congress follows with a budget resolution that sets out the parameters for the various departments, including USDA. The fear is that the next budget will not be as liberal with money for farm programs.

In his remarks to reporters, Daschle indicated there would be a "narrow window" of opportunity to conference a farm bill with the House when Congress returns from the holiday recess early next year for the second session of the current Congress.