Senators Preparing to Vote on the Farm Bill

Tell them to stand up for poor farmers here and abroad.

Learn. Time is running out for Congress to do the right thing on the Farm Bill. If a few key US Senators don’t take a stand, Congress could sell out poor farmers with policies that have devastating effects on rural communities here and abroad. Since the House has already acted, the Senate is next in line for a vote. We're encouraging our supporters and allies to ask Senator Coleman and Senator Klobuchar to vote in support of Farm Bill reform that reduces trade-distorting subsidies for commodities such as cotton. These subsidies lead to excess production, reducing world market prices and undercutting those in developing nations who depend on agriculture to survive.

By reforming trade-distorting subsidies, Congress could help 10 million people in West Africa alone, who depend on cotton for their livelihoods. Cotton is often the only source of cash income for these families who live on less than $1 a day per person. With the added income from increased cotton prices, the typical West African cotton farming family could cover the costs of:

• One year’s worth of health care for four to 10 people;
• Or one year of schooling for two to 10 children;
• Or one year’s food supply for one or two children.

Act. Since every vote matters, can you take a moment to call Senators Klobuchar and Coleman today? For your convenience, Oxfam America has set up a toll-free 800 number with simple instructions.

1. Please call 1-800-977-1912
2. An automated message will give you a brief introduction.
3. When prompted, press 630403 for Senator Coleman or 630404 for Senator Klobuchar.
4. After reaching one of our Senators, please hang up and repeat the instructions to reach the other.

Be sure to tell the staff member who answers the phone that you are a constituent and that you want your US Senator to vote in support of Farm Bill reform that reduces trade-distorting subsidies for commodities such as cotton. Tell them that these subsidies lead to excess production, reducing world market prices and undercutting the poor in developing nations who depend on agriculture to survive.

Change. It will only take a minute. A few well-placed calls from people like you can help the world’s poorest farmers. Please call today and stay tuned for an October full of action opportunities!