In mid-December the Senate passed its version of the farm bill. This legislation must now be reconciled with the House version through a conference. Bread for the World will continue to campaign for reform as the House, Senate and administration negotiate the final version of the farm bill next year.

On December 14, the Senate passed a problematic farm bill that:

• fails to make farm support programs fairer
• proposes increases in trade-distorting commodity programs

These programs have a negative impact on prices and earning opportunities for poor farmers in the developing world. Savings from much-needed reforms to these programs could be better used to fund nutrition and conservation programs and help U.S. farm and rural families of modest means.

After many delays and false starts, the full Senate is likely to begin voting on specific amendments to the farm bill on Tuesday, December 11. Even if you've called before, please take the time to call again.

Unfortunately, because of a procedural dispute and ongoing negotiations between party leadership there were no votes on amendments to the farm bill in the Senate.                 

The Senate is continuing to debate the 2007 farm bill, and none of the amendments we are advocating for (Lugar-Lautenberg, Dorgan-Grassley, or amendments that would strengthen nutrition programs) have come up for a vote yet.

          Let's let Senators Cornyn and Hutchison know that Texans want to see a farm bill that works for poor and hungry people and farmers of modest means!

        For the latest information, go to www.bread.org, or contact our Austin office at 512.474.2417 or breadtx@bread.org.

Today's the day! The farm bill will (finally!) be up for a vote in the U.S. Senate tomorrow, so we need as many calls as possible TODAY to Senators Hutchison and Cornyn. Below is the message we'd like to send, the amendments we are supporting (that would reduce commodity payments to large agribusinesses and support small farmers here and abroad) and some background information. The call literally takes less than two minutes, and you can feel like you did your good deed for the day! Call me if you have any questions or concerns! Thank you!

 BREAD FOR THE WORLD

Subject: Senate Floor Debate on the Farm Bill

Date: November 5, 2007  

The House and Senate are back from the August recess, and it looks like the farm bill work may be pushed back until October.

That means there is still time to make an impact!
 

Here's the 2 minute letter you can write today: 

Senator Cornyn OR Hutchison
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510   

Dear Sen. ______ , Date 

The Senate will take up the farm bill in late September or early October, which means, this is the perfect time to write our Senators and tell them that we want a bill that works for poor and hungry people!

Please take two minutes to write each of our Senators today!

Simply rewrite (handwritten please!) the letter below, and/or add any personal thoughts or experiences. Send the letters individually to the address below:

Senator _________

U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

Here's our newest sample letter:

Thank you for your calls to Congress last week and your dedication to making a farm bill that more effectively addresses the needs of our rural communities--here and around the world. Representatives Doggett, Hensarling and Paul all voted for the Fairness in Farm and Food Policy Amendment, and we know that your grassroots calls impacted their votes!

Unfortunately, the Fairness in Farm and Food Policy Amendment failed by a vote of 117 to 309. However, the call for reform was loudly heard during the debate, and we know that it will change the discussion in the Senate in September.

What's next?

Please call your representative by NOON, Thursday, July 26 at 1-800-826-3688. Urge him/her to vote for the Fairness in Farm and Food Policy Amendment offered by Reps. Ron Kind and Jeff Flake. Tell him/her the House Agriculture Committee's version of the farm bill does little to change the inequities of farm payments and it must be amended.

[Note: This toll-free number will connect you to the Capitol switchboard, where you will ask to be connected to your representative’s office in order to leave your message.]

Not sure who represents you? Go to: http://capwiz.com/bread/dbq/officials/

Message: