Agriculture Secretary Veneman Provides Assurances After Senate Farm Bill Failure

December 21, 2001

After the Senate failed to reach agreement on the farm bill, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman stated that "the Administration had hoped that a bipartisan consensus bill would be developed, as all Senate farm bills of the past have been." She stated "we want to reaffirm that this in no way jeopardizes the assistance that farmers can expect next year. We remain committed to working with the Congress to complete a farm bill quickly and expect this can be accomplished soon after Congress returns."

"This year, our farmers have faced many challenges. Natural disasters, drought, low commodity prices, and global surpluses have hurt producers." We have been there when they needed our help. Together, we worked with the Congress to provide $5.5 billion in supplemental assistance. And, we will be there in the future."

"There is no a new opportunity to come together to develop a truly bipartisan farm bill that provides adequate funding and producer certainty. The Administration will continue to work with Congress to achieve this important goal."