"Drought Gives Urgency To Farm Bill, Compromise on Food Stamp Cuts"

"As record drought conditions continue to plague farmers and send corn prices higher, some lawmakers are pressing House leaders to bring the now-stalled farm bill to the floor."



"The House Agriculture Committee approved the once-every-five-years legislation earlier this month, but there have been indications that House leaders wouldn't bring the legislation to the floor before the election. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, dislikes key parts of the bill, and many members of his party object to its massive farm subsidies. The bill also cuts $16 billion from food stamp programs, which is sure to spark a bitter battle with Democrats.

But as dry weather continues to hurt farmers, some say the bill can't wait. Led by Reps. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., a bipartisan group of 38 Republicans and 24 Democrats sent a letter Thursday requesting that House leaders 'make this legislation a priority.'"

Kim Geiger reports for the Tribune Washington Bureau July 19, 2012.

SEE ALSO:

"Citing Drought, Lawmakers Seek Action on Farm Bill" (Tribune Washington Bureau)

"Boehner: No Decision Yet on Farm Bill" (The Hill)

"How Agribiz Bought the Farm Bill" (Mother Jones)

"How The House Farm Bill Guts Important Food Safety Protections" (Think Progress)

"Conservation Groups Closely Watching Farm Bill Debate" (Bismark Tribune)

"Farmers, Ranchers Unsure of House Farm Bill" (CBS News)

"Pelosi Calls for House Farm Bill Vote" (Agriculture.com)

"House Agriculture Committee OKs Farm Bill With Ban on Permits for Pesticide Spraying" (Bloomberg BNA)

"House Farm Bill a Cause of Concern for Many Montanans" (Billings Gazette)

"What's Up With Conservation and the Farm Bill" (High Country News)

"Midnight Egg Amendment in 2012 Farm Bill Escalates Animal Rights Fight" (The Hill)

"Special Interests Spent $173.5 Million On The 2008 Farm Bill" (Think Progress)
 

Source: Tribune, 07/20/2012