Posted on 05/02/2002 10:28:14 AM PDT by RCW2001
PHILIP BRASHER, AP Farm Writer
Thursday, May 2, 2002
©2002 Associated Press
URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2002/05/02/financial1315EDT0146.DTL
(05-02) 10:15 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --
The House on Thursday passed an election-year farm bill that will boost spending by 70 percent and increase subsidies to grain and cotton farms while adding thousands of other producers to the federal dole.
Shortly before the 280-141 vote, President Bush said the legislation wasn't everything he wanted but will "help ensure the immediate and long-term viability of our farm economy." A Senate vote was likely later Thursday.
The bill marks the reversal of the market-oriented policy of the 1996 Freedom to Farm law that was supposed to wean farmers from government subsidies.
©2002 Associated Press
The administration's support for the bill is a "complete flip-flop" from its earlier criticism of farm subsidies, said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group.
In a 120-page policy statement last fall, the administration said the subsdies stimulate excess production, inflate land rents and largely benefit a relatively small number of big farms. Economists say the new bill does little to address those complaints.
The bill's increased subsidies have angered foreign competitors. The European Union said Thursday it was considering challenging the payments before the World Trade Organization. Under WTO limits, certain U.S. farm subsidies cannot exceed $19.1 billion annually.
"The United States is increasing trade-distorting support for (American) farmers that will harm developing countries. This is what we are fiercely opposed to," EU spokesman Gregor Kreuzhuber.
Canada's agriculture minister, Lyle Vanclief, said the higher subsidies wee a "serious blow to the U.S.'s crediblity" to negotiate lower international trade barriers
(05-02) 10:16 PDT (AP) --
"We all know that Freedom to Farm didn't work," said Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo. "While no farmer wants to depend on the government for anything, it is critical that we provide a safety net to our producers."
The bill would authorize $180 billion in spending over the next 10 years, a $73.5 billion increase over existing programs. The legislation provides new payments for everything from milk and lentils to honey and wool.
Also, there is an 80 percent increase in land-conservation programs that will benefit livestock farms and fruit and vegetable growers who have historically received little federal cash.
The bill would pump billions of dollars into the economies of Plains and Southern states that are critical for Republicans. It has been praised by groups including the National Milk Producers Federation, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Odd choice of terms. Generally speaking, "producers" shouldn't need to be on the dole. Well, as long as the agri-giants,...er...I mean family farmers, get their fair share of tax dollars.
It was never implemented so I assume Herr Congressman was referring to 'democracy' and central control that failed.
yeah, if we all just stick together and vote for the gop, then we can work on changing it.....
Big government, big farm welfare, thanks gop leadership!
Shortly before the 280-141 vote, President Bush said the legislation wasn't everything he wanted but will "help ensure the immediate and long-term viability of our farm economy." The Senate is expected to vote on the bill Tuesday, Democratic leaders said.
Is it too late to get a recount in Florida?
The GOP-rank and file would have screamed if Gore did this. There might have even been a chance at stopping him. But they'll blindly support Bush no matter what he does.
OoooKay.
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