On Friday, the US House of Representatives completed their work on the 2007 Farm Bill. Instead of creating a farm bill for the 21st century, a majority chose to maintain a status quo almost oblivious to the globalized world. In response, Oxfam America released this statement.
Although the House's action is disappointing for those supporting real farm bill reform, our efforts made a difference. In order to quell support for the Fairness Amendment, described in our last post, House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson made last minute changes to the bill. These changes fall far short of meaningful, poverty-alleviating reform, but are a step in the right direction. Your calls and letters helped make this possible. In the end, 117 representatives did vote for the Fairness Amendment, including Minnesota's own Rep. Keith Ellison and Rep. Jim Ramstad. Our thanks to each of these representatives for their leadership, and to all of you for calling and writing last week!
The fact that we made a difference in the House proves we have muscle to flex on this issue – and Minnesotans couldn't be in a better position as the US Senate takes up the 2007 Farm Bill. Senator Norm Coleman and Senator Amy Klobuchar are both on the Senate Ag Committee. They have an opportunity to correct the House's short-sightedness by reducing trade-distorting subsidies in the farm bill.
Continue to regularly tell our senators how much real reform means to you, tell your friends, and stay tuned as we gear up to flex our muscle once again!
