Senate to Begin Debate on Farm Bill
06/08/2012

Debate will begin in Washington soon on a new Farm Bill. The Senate has voted to advance a bill totaling 969 billion dollars over the next ten years, a cut of 23 billion dollars over current agriculture and nutrition spending.
 Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, a Democrat, says he supports eliminating direct farm payments in favor of a greater reliance on crop insurance to stabilize farm income.  (play audio  :12)
 The big change in farm policy if the proposed bill is adopted would be an end to direct crop payments in favor of a shift to crop insurance.  Senator Nelson says he is pleased with the proposal from the Senate Ag Committee.  (play audio   :28)
 Nebraska’s other U.S. Senator, Republican Mike Johanns, says the bill has a lot of promise.  (play audio   :22)
 Senator Johanns is pleased with the proposal that scuttles direct payments to farmers in favor of offering enhanced crop insurance to help manage risk.  (play audio   :18)
 Johanns is also pleased that the bill focuses more on trade to boost farm income and streamlines conservation programs. 
 Senate debate on the bill could take a couple of weeks.
 


© Nebraska Radio Network

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login


characters left

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.