Unlike last week’s farm bill vote in the House, it was no real surprise to see the Senate pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation Thursday by nearly the 70 vote margin supporters had predicted. And the email reactions from agriculture groups are coming in fast – again, unlike last week when prepared statements on farm bill passage had to be furiously rewritten.

“The Senate’s passage today of a balanced immigration reform bill that includes a fair and workable farm labor provision is welcomed by America’s farmers and ranchers. A comprehensive agricultural labor plan that works for all sectors of agriculture and across all regions of our nation is long overdue. We commend the Senate for addressing this very important issue, which will help ensure the continued success of agriculture in our nation,” said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman.

“It also allows for peace of mind for all parties in agriculture to know that a more easy-to-use and effective system will be enacted, says National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson. “I look forward to continuing to work with the House of Representatives to pass immigration legislation that achieves many of these same ends.”

But about that, Speaker of the House John Boehner said in a press conference today, “The House is not going to take up and vote on whatever the Senate passes. We’re going to do our own bill, through regular order.” Audio and video below. (Also see previous post on concerns about ag provisions in the bill.)