Rep. Baca Named a Conferee for the 2008 Farm Bill

Statement

Rep. Baca Named a Conferee for the 2008 Farm Bill

Last week, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) was appointed to the House and Senate conference committee charged with negotiating the final details of the 2008 Farm Bill.

As Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Congressman Baca played a critical role in authoring the House passed Farm Bill, which included the largest increase in federal nutrition assistance in over thirty years.

"Over 38 million Americans go to sleep every night without enough to eat. In a country as wealthy as the United States, this is shameful," said Rep. Baca. "I am extremely proud of the steps the House Farm Bill made towards ending hunger in America, and I look forward to working with my colleagues from the Senate to ensure we pass a final Farm Bill that meets the nutrition needs of our nation."

The House passed its Farm Bill in July of 2007, while the Senate passed their version in December of 2007. The Nutrition Title that fell under Rep. Baca's jurisdiction included a modernization and expansion of the food stamp program, greater investment in our nation's food banks, expansion of fresh fruit and vegetable programs in our schools, and new investments in commodity programs that help to feed single mothers, disabled adults, and returning veterans.

"We have traveled a long road to get to this point," concluded Rep. Baca. "I am confident that the House and Senate can work in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion to create an agriculture policy that is good for American farmers and consumers. We must continue to work so that in our nation of plenty, no one is left without enough food on the table."

Conference negotiations have begun in earnest this week, and will continue until a final bill is agreed upon, passed by Congress, and given to the President for his signature into law.

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