Imminent veto creates a window of opportunity for reform.
Minnesota Public Radio reports that President Bush will veto the farm bill Congress plans to send him next week. Yesterday, the farm bill conference committee announced an agreement after months of delays; their final product did not reform the archaic trade-distorting subsidies that contribute to poverty abroad, play a part in the global food crisis, and disadvantage small independent American growers - all to the benefit of agribusiness giants that claim annual profits in the millions.
As Marketplace described today, powerful agribusinesses' profits are skyrocketing. They have never been wealthier, yet they continue to lobby intensely for subsides causing poverty in the world's most fragile communities. Off Capitol Hill, these corporations have contributed over $25 million to political campaigns in this election cycle (through February 2008). Impoverished farmers and those who depend on them will only have a voice in this process if compassionate Americans get involved. Because of the veto threat and coinciding media coverage of the food crisis, you have an ideal opportunity to make your voice heard.
Tell Congress to use the Farm Bill to help end the food crisis today. To avoid a veto, some members of Congress may be considering changes in the current bill. If the Farm Bill is vetoed, the 2002 Farm Bill may be extended on a temporary basis - providing a wider window of opportunity to rally support for a reformed farm bill. This Farm Bill would meet presidential muster and become part of the solution to the food crisis (instead of being part of the problem) through more effective use of food aid funding and reducing unnecessary trade-distorting subsides. Take advantage of this opportunity now. Contact your representatives by clicking here.
Some defending the unreformed Farm Bill urge its passage in part because of the money it provides for food shelves, food stamps, nutrition programs, and other important domestic programs. These programs are indeed critical, which is why using them as a political distraction from the corporate welfare scheme perpetuating the food crisis is indefensible. Please take action now.
Tragedy in Burma
Our hearts go out to the victims of the cyclone that struck Burma (Myanmar) on Saturday. Click here to learn what Oxfam is doing to help.
More Farm Bill news:
Joseph Geck in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Inside farm bill lobbyists' heads
Politico, Lawmakers reach agreement on farm bill
Reuters, US Congress spurns Bush's call for food aid switch
San Francisco Chronicle, A food crisis sweeps the globe
Wisconsin State Journal, Stop stuffing favors into farm bill
