WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today issued the following statement on the Senate's 64-35 passage of the Farm Bill:
"Today's Farm Bill contains significant reforms that will positively impact the lives of countless Americans. It's also a rare example of how business should be done in the Senate - with bipartisan cooperation.
"The reauthorization is most notably marked by a complete overhaul of an antiquated commodity subsidies program that costs about $5 billion a year and benefits some land owners who don't actually farm. It's being replaced by a more efficient insurance program that producers would pay into to cover losses in their crop yield. Altogether, if the president signs this bill into law, it would save taxpayers $23 billion compared to the policy in place today.
"In addition, it includes strong support for rural farmers, fruit and vegetable producers, farmers' markets and programs to make sure healthier foods are within reach for our most vulnerable citizens. While the level ofconservation cuts it includes is not ideal in my view, this bill marks an important step towards a better farm and food policy for New Mexico and the country."
