Thursday August 2, 2012

Farm Bill Vote Delayed

Washington, DC — A possible one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill was removed Tuesday from the U.S. House of Representatives’ docket so the body could focus on disaster aid legislation ahead of its August recess.

Faced with a worsening drought, the House likely will vote this week on a standalone disaster recovery bill to take the place of expired portions of the Farm Bill, sources say.

Meanwhile, other portions of the 2008 Farm Bill are set to expire later this year and in 2013, says Liz Clark, NCA vice-president of government affairs. The House has 13 days for debate and vote on the 2012 Farm Bill prior to the November election, with additional debate possible following the election.

Clark explains: “Ultimately it is too contentious of an environment to try and get the Farm Bill passed on the House floor. Everyone agrees there is a need to deal with the drought first.”

She encourages candy companies to take advantage of the House’s August recess, which begins Monday, August 6, to continue pressing for sugar reform by meeting with congressional leaders and offering site tours.