McCain predicted that the current farm bill as written is too laden with farm subsidies for him. He also said that he anticipates a challenge to the subsidy level at the World Trade Organization, if those subsidy levels aren't reduced prior to passage. "I do not support the level of subsidies that we now have in the present farm bill and I want to see us gradually reduce those subsidies," McCain said. "If this bill goes through, we will be taken to court in the WTO and we are going to lose." (Des Moines Register, October 25, 2007)
"Mr. President, I would like to speak in opposition to this final farm bill conference agreement that will serve as the basis of farm policy for the next six years.”I oppose this new farm legislation because it is an appalling breach of our federal spending responsibility and could be damaging to our national integrity. Included in this agreement is $83 billion in new spending for farm programs above the baseline, which brings the grand total to $183 billion for the life of this bill. In yearly spending, the projections for this new farm bill will rank it among the most expensive farm bills in recent history. (McCain Campaign Press Release, May 7, 2002)
KEY ISSUES
