Farm Bill Enacted

May 23, 2008 - The U.S. Senate on Thursday joined the U.S. House of Representatives to override the President's veto of the $289 billion Farm Bill enacting it as law except for the trade section, which was deleted through a printing error.

The 82-13 vote in the Senate followed a 316-108 vote Wednesday night in the House accounting for only the second veto override in Bush's presidency.

The last time a stand-alone Farm Bill did not receive Presidential support was in 1956 when President Eisenhower vetoed the bill because he believed it was not sound and good for farmers and the nation.

Unfortunately, not all of the Farm Bill is being enacted. Due to a printing glitch, the version that the President vetoed was missing 34 pages on international food aid and trade-a mistake that required the U.S. House to approve another bill to send to the White House. Final disposition of all Farm Bill legislation should follow the Memorial Day break.

"As a reminder to sheep producers who are applying for the 2008 wool Loan Deficiency Payment, the base loan rate increase does not apply until 2010," stated Peter Orwick, executive director for the American Sheep Industry Association. "It is expected that the department will be working with the industry to get the sheep center implemented and functioning before the end of 2008 since the Farm Bill mandates spending to get the program operational."
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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