Congress extends farm bill

Date of release: 3/13/2008

The existing farm bill has been extended 30 days to give lawmakers and White House officials additional time to craft new farm policy. The Senate unanimously approved the extension yesterday, followed by a voice vote in the House last night.

"Although regrettable that it was necessary, Congress' additional extension of the 2002 farm bill through April 18 will allow staffers to continue work on the legislation during the Spring Recess," American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said.

Lawmakers have not been able to agree on how to fund the new farm bill, and President Bush and White House agriculture officials have vowed repeatedly to veto legislation that is too costly and does not demonstrate reform sufficiently.