Moran Introduces Legislation to Extend Current Farm Bill

Press Release

Moran Introduces Legislation to Extend Current Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jerry Moran today introduced a one-year extension to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, commonly known as the 2002 Farm Bill. Moran's legislation comes after delays in the U.S. Senate to pass a 2007 Farm Bill.

"It is unacceptable that we are nearing the end of the year without a farm bill to take home to our farmers and ranchers," Moran said. "Our producers face the uncertainty of making next year's crop decisions without knowing what type of safety net will be available in the coming year. Securing future financing is exceptionally difficult without certainty of farm programs. Our farmers and ranchers are already burdened with many responsibilities. They should not have to worry about whether Congress can complete a farm bill. I would have expected the Senate Democratic leadership to understand the policy and political implications of their unwillingness to act."

The 2002 Farm Bill expired on September 30, 2007. The House passed its version of the 2007 Farm Bill in July. The Senate is not expected to consider the legislation until December, at the earliest. Following Senate passage, House and Senate leaders will have to work out differences in the two versions of the bill before final passage.
"It is next to impossible to think that we can complete this bill in a matter of weeks," Moran said. "Until now, I have never supported an extension. I think Congress can improve the 2002 Act. I remain interested in completing a five-year farm bill that improves upon existing programs and will continue to work toward that goal. But with the Senate's inability to move a farm bill in an open and transparent manner, Congress must do what is best for agricultural producers and pass a short-term extension."

Joining Moran in introducing the legislation are Representatives Bob Goodlatte (VA), Frank Lucas (OK), Robin Hayes (NC), Marilyn Musgrave (CO), Randy Neugebauer (TX), Michael Conaway (TX), Mac Thornberry (TX), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve King (IA), Sam Graves (MO), Timothy Johnson (IL), Virginia Foxx (NC), Adrian Smith (NE), Geoff Davis (KY), Richard Baker (LA), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Charles "Chip" Pickering (MS), Louie Gohmert (TX), Ralph Hall (TX), Jack Kingston (GA), Timothy Walberg (MI) and Lamar Smith (TX).

Moran is a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture where he serves as the Republican leader of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

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