CRomnibus Passes Congress

Cindy Zimmerman

capitol-nightAfter passing a short term extension early in the day on Saturday to give them more time to consider longer term spending legislation, the Senate decided by evening to put a bow on the so-called “CRomnibus” and wrap it up.

The $1.1 trillion measure to keep the government funded through September 2015 passed the Senate by a vote of 56 to 40 and includes several provisions important to agriculture that were included in the House. “This legislation contains important policy provisions that prevent the government from reaching into the lives of ordinary American citizens,” said Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK). “Provisions like those that prevent the Army Corps of Engineers from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches.”

House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID) says the legislation prohibits funds for the Corps to act on the proposed Waters of the U.S. interpretive rule outlining agricultural exemptions under the Clean Water Act. “This is a major victory for our country’s farmers and ranchers who … are concerned about the potential of the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers overreach into their operations,” said Simpson. The bill cuts funding for the EPA by $60 million.

House Appropriations Committee chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) says another provision prevents the listing of the sage grouse on the endangered species list, “a premature action that would have severe economic consequences on Western states especially.” Other provisions prevent USDA from implementing a second beef checkoff and require the agency to make recommendations for changing the country-of-origin labeling law (COOL) to bring it into compliance with the World Trade Organization.

There were some downsides for agriculture. American Soybean Association president Wade Cowan of Texas calls the bill a “mixed bag,” noting further cuts to conservation programs on working lands like the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Cowan noted that the association is pleased with the increase in funding that the bill provides for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, which was given a three percent boost in funding.

President Obama is expected to sign the bill this week.

ASA