ACTION ALERT: Tell Congress to Pass
the 2008 Farm Bill
Congressional Vote May 14; President Bush Threatens Veto
5/9/08
The Congressional Farm Bill conference committee finished the 2008 Farm Bill this week. On Wednesday, May 14, the U.S. House and Senate will vote on the bill. If it passes, it will be sent on to President Bush for his signature. Both bodies of Congress are expected to pass the bill. But President Bush is threatening to veto the 2008 Farm Bill.
While the failure of Congress to fundamentally reform commodity programs or to substantially address corporate control in the food and agriculture system serves to perpetuate major problems with current U.S. farm policy, the proposed bill does include important building blocks for a more just and sustainable food and farm policy. The 2008 Farm Bill is better than the 2002 Farm Bill, which would be extended if President Bush vetoes the proposed bill and Congress fails to override the veto.
The 2008 Farm Bill is an improvement because of investments in: 1) working lands conservation; 2) beginning farmers and ranchers; and 3) local and regional foods systems. These gains make a difference now and lay the foundation for greater reform in the future. It’s important to note that nearly three-quarters of the funding in the bill is directed towards critically needed food assistance programs.
The greater the margins by which the House and Senate pass the Farm Bill, the harder it will be for the President to veto the bill. Both the House and the Senate would need a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto.
So, the Land Stewardship Project is asking you to make three calls today in support of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, also known as the 2008 Farm Bill.
Contact:
Your U.S. Representative through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) at 202-224-5641 and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) at 202-224-3244.
The Message:
“I’m calling to urge Representative or Senator ________________ to vote for the 2008 Farm Bill. Do you know how he/she will vote? I’d also like him/her to contact President Bush and urge him to sign the bill into law. Can they do that for me?”
When you call, say who you are and where you are from. If you need to leave a message that’s fine. The important thing is you make a call now. We’re coming down to the wire and need your help to win passage of the 2008 Farm Bill.
If you have any questions, contact LSP’s Policy and Organizing office at 612-722-6377. See www.landstewardshipproject.org/pr/08/newsr_080502-2.htm for more details on the proposed 2008 Farm Bill.
