In our previous posts, we've reported on the unreformed Farm Bill that leaves the trade-distorting subsides tied to the food crisis and poverty abroad in tact. Now you have an opportunity to do something about it. Please contact your United States representative and senators; ask them vote against the Farm Bill conference report. For help, check out the simple instructions Oxfam America has placed on their website.
By defeating the conference report and temporarily extending the current Farm Bill, Congress will have an opportunity to create a Farm Bill that addresses its ugly contributions to the food crisis and unfair trade. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer asks Congress vote down the conference report and return to the Farm Bill next year, stating: "...a year or two extension of the existing farm bill would allow a new president and Congress to start over from a fresh point of view. By focusing on food consumption, the next Congress could create a bill for the public, farmers and the environment, not wealthy interests and voting blocs."
The conference report may come up for a vote tomorrow. Please act now.
Oxfam's Response to Recent Disasters
The past weeks' string of devastating natural disasters have been truly heartbreaking. Thankfully, Oxfam is on the ground, rushing aid to survivors. Visit the Oxfam America website for updates on their activities in China and Burma.
Join us at Common Roots Café
You can be part of Oxfam Action Corps – MN and help plan grassroots efforts for lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. Our first monthly planning meeting on the climate change campaign is Monday, May 19th at 7:00pm at the exciting Common Roots Café in Minneapolis. While making the most of the café’s tasty fare, we’ll talk about the campaign, our team’s goals, and plan a variety of upcoming events. Please e-mail us at oxfam.mn@gmail.com if you're interested in attending.
More Farm Bill News:
AP, Farm bill has little aid for needy children abroad
Dallas Morning News, Food aid, the right way
The Hill, Cows finally come home on the farm bill
International Herald Tribune, U.S. farm bill could run afoul of global trade rules
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Farm Bill: Buying Votes
