Herseth Sandlin Statement On House Approval Of One Week Farm Bill Extension

HERSETH SANDLIN STATEMENT ON HOUSE APPROVAL OF ONE WEEK FARM BILL EXTENSION

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin commented today on House approval of a one-week extension of the 2002 Farm Bill as negotiations continue on that legislation's reauthorization:

"The passage of a short-term extension of the Farm Bill indicates that negotiations are productive and a final compromise is within reach. It's a sign of significant progress and good faith discussions in the conference committee. However, the job is not done and there are still difficult decisions to be made. One thing we've learned and learned well through this process is that the Farm Bill must be a balanced representation of the diversity of American agriculture. In the tight budget situation we're facing, there are limited dollars for many worthy programs but I believe that ultimately, the end product will be very good for South Dakota's producers. As the conferees work through the process, I will continue to weigh in with them on the importance of passing a bill this year that, among other things, maintains a meaningful safety net for producers, includes a strong energy title, and retains the agreement for implementing mandatory country-of-origin labeling as well as well-balanced conservation provisions like Sodsaver."