The House Agriculture Committee approved a $940 billion farm bill in a 36-10 vote in May. Nearly 100 amendments were thrown out during the session, many relating to food stamps. The dairy program was the only commodity which received significant debate as it related to farm subsidies.
Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) led the effort to preserve the Dairy Security Act (DSA) during the markup session.
The program is opposed by Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).
Erik Wasson, a writer for The Hill, said that Lucas’ leadership in keeping the policy intact was an acknowledgement that he needed the support of committee ranking member Rep. Collin Peterson, who offered the act, and “his block of rural Democrats that will be needed to pass any farm bill.”
The Goodlatte-Scott Dairy Amendment was struck down on a 20-26 vote. The amendment would have replaced the Dairy Security Act with a stand-alone margin insurance program for dairy producers.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applauded the decision. Jerry Kozak, NMPF president and CEO, said in a statement, “The dairy industry needs the stability that the DSA will provide, and we need it now.
“The House version of the bill is on the right path, and its dairy title now matches the farm bill approved Tuesday by the Senate Agriculture Committee. We urge Congress to move quickly to complete action on the farm bill this summer.”
The bill is expected on the House floor in June, with the hope that lawmakers will approve a new bill before the August recess. PD
—Compiled from various sources
