6-21 IAN Farm Bill

Farm Bill Defeated in Blow to Boehner

In a GOP blog by Steven Dennis we learned yesterday that the House defeated the farm bill resoundingly on a 195-234 vote Thursday, dealing another blow to Speaker John A. Boehner as he continues to struggle to move legislation opposed by conservative interest groups.

Most Democrats opposed the bill, unhappy with a $20.5 billion cut to food stamps, while Republicans deeply split into competing factions. Sixty-two Republicans voted against the bill, while two dozen Democrats supported it.

Congressman Mike Simpson spokesperson Nikki Watts: “Congressman Simpson is very disappointed that the farm bill did not pass. As you know, the current Farm Bill expires Sept 30 and if Congress doesn’t pass a comprehensive Farm Bill they will do another 1 year extension and we will forfeit meaningful reform and savings. Not to mention the certainty that growers and producers need.