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Corn
Growers Push for Expedient Action on Farm Bill (11-29-01)
Earlier
this week, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American
Soybean Association (ASA) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Tom
Daschle, D-SD, and Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-MS., advising
them to complete action on the farm bill this year, unencumbered by
non-germane issues.
The
push for expedient action on the farm bill comes as a result of NCGA's
efforts to help bring an end to a five-year economic downturn that has
brutalized much of rural America. According to Tim Hume, a corn grower
from Walsh, Colo., and president of NCGA, "The farm bill is vital
to an agriculture industry that continues to face economic hardship.
Congress should enact a new farm bill to help stimulate and stabilize
the rural economy."
Following
on the heels of the NCGA/ASA letter to Daschle and Lott, the corn growers,
and 32 other farm groups, held a press conference urging the Senate
to approve a new farm bill without delay. "Although some members
of Congress wish to slow the process, everyone agrees that rural America
is suffering and needs new legislation that will bring equitable solutions
to the present crisis."
Sens.
Tom Harkin, D-IA, and Daschle spoke at the press conference, encouraging
fellow Senators to refrain from adding any unrelated amendments to the
farm bill. "An unencumbered farm bill is the only way to get the
bill passed by the Senate and through a conference committee so that
Congress can approve a final bill this year," the groups noted.
Sen.
Daschle hopes to bring the farm bill to the Senate floor late this week
or early next week.
Last reviewed
November 29, 2001
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