|
NCGA
Disappointed By Passage of Dorgan-Grassley Amendment (2-8-02)
Despite
strong objections voiced by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA),
other commodity groups and Senators representing farm interests, an
amendment to sharply reduce payment limitations on farm supports sailed
through by a vote of 66 to 31. Senators Kit Bond (R-MO) and Jean Carnahan
(D-MO) were the lone dissenters from the Corn Belt.
The
measure introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Senator Chuck
Grassley (R-IA) requires a combined limit on direct and counter-cyclical
payments to $75,000 and $150,000 on marketing loan assistance. An additional
$50,000 is allowed for a husband and wife farm operation for a total
payment limitation of $275,000.
"We're
very disappointed with this turn of events," said Tim Hume, NCGA
president and corn grower from Walsh, Colo. "With the passage of
this amendment, NCGA feels the passage of an acceptable Farm Bill is
becoming less of a reality."
Passage
of the Dorgan-Grassley amendment now moves the Senate farm bill one
step closer to passage with some reports indicating final action being
completed by Tuesday of next week. However, there is still some uncertainty
on what steps Senate Democrats from the southern states will take to
oppose final passage given the bill's new payment provisions, a 1,000-hour
labor requirement and means testing. Support from Senators from several
western states also continues to be unknown depending on efforts to
amend the bill's controversial water rights provision in the Conservation
Reserve Program.
Last reviewed
February 8, 2002
|