04/21/08 Farm bill extension, again

Once upon a time Congress decided to rewrite the 2002 Farm Bill. They were supposed to have the bill to the President last Fall. CRAIG "Why are we bickering over the fine points when the fundamental policy points are in place? CONNER "You know at some point you have to say enough is enough. Get your business done." Senator Larry Craig and Deputy Ag Secretary Chuck Conner raised their frustrated voices last week as the Farm Bill deadline was extended, yet again. CRAIG "Let's do a two year extension on existing policy. Or at least a one year extension so you know where you are when you get to planting season instead of watching Congress fall all over itself because it can't cut a deal." Conner says the problem with the House and Senate conferees is that they haven't discussed any of the controversial issues in the proposed legislation nor have they gotten down to the issue of how to pay for it. Most Capitol Hill observers said without a Farm Bill signed into law by the end of 2007, because this is an election year no Farm Bill would get approval in Congress and the 2002 bill would be extended for a year or two. Unless there's a miraculous turnaround that's the road we're about to take. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott