Farn bill

FARM BILL DEFEATED IN HOUSE: ACTION HAS RAMIFACTION FOR FARMERS, CONSUMERS, AND FOOD STAMP RECIPIENTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 20, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – In a surprise action today, the farm bill was voted down by a 195 to 234 margin in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Currently a 2008 farm bill is in effect, but it expires September 30. Without action to pass a farm bill this year, the 1949 version of the farm bill will be back in place—a move that is expected lead to steep price increases on milk and other agricultural products.

House Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the Farm Bill due to $20 billion in cuts to the food stamp program, which was denounced as cruel at a time when more Americans than ever before are facing food security issues.  Only 24 Democrats in the House voted for the measure.  They were joined by 62 Republicans who also voted against it though for different reasons; Republicans contended the $940 billion bill was too costly.

San Diego’s Congressional delegation split down party lines, with Republicans Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa voting for the bill, while Democrats Susan Davis, Juan Vargas, and Scott Peters voted no.


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