Washington, D.C. —
Senator John Thune made the following comments today after an agreement was reached to move forward in the Senate with the 2007 Farm Bill:
"Although the Congress is still several months behind in passing a new farm bill, I am encouraged that the Senate has finally reached an agreement to begin debate on the 2007 Farm Bill. Under the agreement I helped negotiate last night, Republicans and Democrats will be limited to 20 amendments each.
"The first votes on amendments are expected next Tuesday and it is likely that the Senate may be able to pass a final bill before we adjourn for the upcoming Christmas break. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I look forward to passing a Farm Bill soon enough for farmers and ranchers to determine its impacts on their operations as they plan for the upcoming crop year. During the Committee process, I was successful in getting all of my amendments included in the farm bill that we'll be debating next week on the Senate Floor. Throughout the entire farm bill process, I've been listening to farmers and ranchers from across South Dakota and using their comments to improve upon the 2002 Farm Bill."
"Although the Congress is still several months behind in passing a new farm bill, I am encouraged that the Senate has finally reached an agreement to begin debate on the 2007 Farm Bill. Under the agreement I helped negotiate last night, Republicans and Democrats will be limited to 20 amendments each.
"The first votes on amendments are expected next Tuesday and it is likely that the Senate may be able to pass a final bill before we adjourn for the upcoming Christmas break. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I look forward to passing a Farm Bill soon enough for farmers and ranchers to determine its impacts on their operations as they plan for the upcoming crop year. During the Committee process, I was successful in getting all of my amendments included in the farm bill that we'll be debating next week on the Senate Floor. Throughout the entire farm bill process, I've been listening to farmers and ranchers from across South Dakota and using their comments to improve upon the 2002 Farm Bill."
