Vitter's View: Supporting the Farm Bill
This week I voted with 80 other Senators to override the president's veto of the farm bill and pass it into law. The farm bill contains provisions that are critically important to the agricultural activities based in Louisiana. Despite passing by large majorities in both houses of Congress, President Bush vetoed the bill when it came to his desk. Thankfully, enough of my colleagues joined me in voting to override his veto.
This year's farm bill contains provisions that will benefit the rice, sugar, cotton, timber and dairy industries that are prominent in our state. It funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program, which provides millions each year in grants to small towns and parishes across Louisiana. The bill also features a new sugar ethanol program, increases target prices for crops and provides support for conservation efforts.
I went to the floor of the Senate before the vote last week to discuss all the positive provisions of this bill, and the reasons it deserved the President's signature. The reforms to commodity programs are significant, providing better transparency and stricter income limits without limiting the safety nets that protect farmers. The bill is fiscally responsible without increasing taxes to offset costs. It also protects the tradition of investing in rural communities.
Earlier this month, flooding significantly impacted Louisiana farms and reminded us how important it is to protect farmers from the risk of unavoidable circumstances. The farm bill creates a new disaster fund that will help provide stable and quick assistance when disaster strikes. Many farmers in South Louisiana are still recovering from the 2005 hurricanes, and with hurricane season once again upon us, it is important to establish this fund right away.
The farm bill will make a significant difference in the lives of Louisiana's farmers and those living in our rural communities. I applaud my colleagues for overriding President Bush's veto, and I will continue to work with them to create polices that benefit our nation's agricultural communities.
I am interested in hearing your thoughts on all issues. Please contact me with your ideas at any of my state offices or in my Washington office by mail at U.S. Senator David Vitter, U.S. Senate, 516 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, or by phone at 202-224-4623. You can also reach me on the web at http://vitter.senate.gov.