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Vilsack responds to House’s Farm Bill failure

By Staff | Aug 1, 2012

AMES Christie Vilsack released the following statement today again calling on the House of Representatives to stay in Washington and work to pass a Farm Bill that will provide drought relief to producers and support the rural economy in small towns and cities like those in the 4th Congressional District:

“Growing up in small town Iowa I learned the importance of hard work and responsibility. Judging from Congress’ failure to act on the Food, Farm, and Jobs Bill, it seems that many members don’t share these values.

“While the Senate passed a bipartisan Farm Bill weeks ago, the House has allowed gridlock and partisanship to once again get in the way. Now, Congress is going on a month-long recess, leaving little hope that a Farm Bill will be passed before it expires at the end of next month and delaying action that would help those suffering from the record drought. Allowing the Farm Bill to expire would be devastating for rural America and especially this district. Here in Iowa the Farm Bill supports rural development programs, invests in Iowa’s renewable energy industry, and provides an important safety net for farmers and producers.

“Unfortunately, Congressman King hasn’t led on the Farm Bill. He hasn’t convinced leaders in his own party that a Farm Bill is vital for the rural economy and he has failed to stand up for investments in rural America that were left out of the House version of the Farm Bill.

“Congress must take this issue seriously and I believe they should stay in Washington and find a way to move the Farm Bill forward instead of going on recess.”