Two-week delay attributable to calls for reform.After first announcing the US Senate Agriculture Committee would convene to begin work on the 2007 Farm Bill today, committee Chairman Tom Harkin of Iowa has postponed the markup, which is now likely within the next two weeks. Congress Daily reports Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio "told Harkin that they could not vote for the chairman's mark [as proposed] unless it contained stricter payment limits."
Our hats off to Senator Klobuchar. Strict payment limits are not only fiscally responsible, but are the kind of trade-distorting subsidy reductions that will alleviate poverty abroad while leveling the playing field for small independent American growers.
The postponement is a sign that individuals calling for a properly reformed Farm Bill are being heard. It also buys additional time to add your voice. The battle is far from over. As the committee convenes, the window of opportunity to ask lawmakers to reform the Farm Bill by reducing trade-distorting commodity subsidies begins to close -- your action is critically needed now.
Please use the 800 number, described in the sidebar's 'Action Alert', to contact Senator Klobuchar and Senator Coleman today. If you are not connected to the senator's office, redial the 800 number and press # to be transferred to the switchboard. Ask to be connected with the office of Senator Klobuchar, Coleman, or any other senator.
Tell the staff member who answers the phone you want the senator to reduce trade-distorting commodity subsidies. Check out our earlier posts for detailed suggestions on how this money could be spent instead and how lives and livelihoods will be saved abroad.
Copy and paste the 800 number instructions into your e-mail and send it to your friends. It doesn't take much effort to multiply your positive impact! The next few weeks will be critical. If you haven't already, subscribe to our listserv. You'll receive further action alerts and Farm Bill news as it breaks.
