Senate Continues Farm Bill Debate

December 18, 2001

The Senate will return Tuesday to the 2001 farm bill – which looks increasingly likely to turn into the 2002 farm bill even if the Senate takes a final vote this week. Congress will probably have its last formal sessions of the year at week's end, as lawmakers strain to finish the last of 13 annual spending bills and perhaps complete work on an economic stimulus bill and other priority legislation.

Another "cloture" vote to cut off debate is expected Tuesday, and several more could occur during the course of the week. Some Republican Capitol Hill sources said Monday that GOP Senators will continue to vote against ending debate, which they see as an effort to stifle their alternative proposals. Other sources, though, expected Senators would pass a final bill this week.

The Senate on Tuesday may debate an amendment by Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) to target environmental funds to small-scale livestock and poultry operations. Supporters say the government should not subsidize what they call "factory farms," but opponents assert the Wellstone amendment applies to mid-sized producers, and note there are no corresponding size limits for crop producers.

Sometime this week, the Senate will probably vote on the main Republican alternative to the Democratic farm bill – a substitute proposed by Sens. Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Thad Cochran (R-MS). Meanwhile, some House sources said that chamber might recess as early as Thursday if agreement is reached on spending for the Defense Department. House adjournment would likely increase pressure on Senators to wrap up their business and head home for Christmas.

Departing from its traditional Republican leanings, the American Farm Bureau Federation has harshly criticized Republican Senators for not limiting debate on the farm bill. AFBF wrote Senate leaders and President Bush today, asking that all Senate debate on farm legislation conclude by "noon next Wednesday, December 19." The group said, however, that "relevant" amendments should have a chance to be offered.