When the Senate begins consideration of the Farm Bill this fall they need to do what the House of Representatives failed to do – enact meaningful reform of U.S. agricultural policy to make it more equitable for American farmers, communities in need, and people living in poverty around the world
Despite strong advocacy for farm-bill reform from Episcopalians and other Americans of faith, the House leadership chose to back the status quo.
Even so, YOUR ADVOCACY MADE A DIFFERENCE:
- The House had its first-ever full debate on the fundamental fairness of U.S. agricultural policy;
- Editorial writers around the country were nearly unanimous in condemning the House action and calling for true reform; and
- The White House made a public pledge to veto the flawed House bill.
The even-better news is that the winds of change are blowing in the Senate where key members of the Agriculture Committee and the Leadership have called for significant reforms. In order to win a majority for reform, however, your voice is needed, particularly during August while Congress is at home for the summer recess!
Not only is reform in the farm bill important to programs here in the US, click here to learn more about how these reforms are vital to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals around the world.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
E-mail your two Senators. Express your disappointment in the House's failure to pass meaningful reform and your expectation that the Senate do better. Tell them that reform is good for rural America, good for communities in need, and good for people living in poverty around the world.
