Members of the American Seed Trade Association were on Capitol Hill today getting updates on farm legislation from Congressional leaders, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN).
Chuck was there with them today during a busy day for progress on the 2012 Farm Bill, with the Senate whipping through amendments at lightning speed. “I hope it passes,” Rep. Lucas said about the Senate bill during an interview with Chuck. “I need a Senate bill to pass so I can complete my work in the House so we can ultimately wind up in a conference committee and work out our differences.”
Listen to Chuck’s interview with Lucas here: Rep. Frank Lucas interview
The House agriculture committee had hoped to mark up their version of the farm bill next week, but that will now wait until after the July 4 recess since floor debate is scheduled next week on the Agriculture Department appropriations bill that touches on farm programs. “We’re ready to mark up, it’s just a question of timing over here,” said Rep. Peterson, pictured here with ASTA members from his home state. “It looks like an easier process than I had to deal with in ’08.”
Peterson says his biggest concerns with the Senate bill are in the commodity title and food stamps but he is pleased with dairy and conservation provisions that have been included.
Listen to Chuck’s interview with Peterson here: Rep. Collin Peterson interview