Harkin Optimistic Farm Bill will Become Law

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Harkin Optimistic Farm Bill will Become Law

By Becky Ogann

DES MOINES (AP) - Senator Tom Harkin say he's hopeful President Bush will sign a five-year, $300 billion farm bill -- despite veto threats.

The Iowa Democrat is the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. He told Iowa reporters during a conference call on Thursday that there's bipartisan support for the bill.

The measure would increase spending on conservation programs, alternative energy incentives and federal nutrition programs. But Bush says it's "bloated" with farmer subsidies in a time of record crop prices and is too expensive.

Harkin says the agreement came after intense talks between congressional leaders and the White House. He says now is the time for Bush to support it.

The farm bill will be considered by the House and Senate next week.

Friday, May 9 at 7:15 AM Amanda wrote ...

Why doesn't Barkin do something that makes a real difference for farmers, like getting Government assistance for expensive farm equipment, seed and supplies. We give billions of dollars to people who sit on their backsides all day breeding, why can't we help people who really deserve it like farmers?

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Friday, May 9 at 9:23 AM Mike wrote ...

Why should we have farm programs? These are no more than welfare, Our budgett speaks for itself!

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Friday, May 9 at 10:31 AM Agree wrote ...

I agree with mike completely!

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Friday, May 9 at 10:38 PM Why only $300B, Tom? wrote ...

Ol' Harkin has built his political career on pandering to the Ag community with his fabulous giveaway programs. If only he was as generous with the taxpayers' money for other industries. There are plenty of struggling Mom & Pop shops out there that could use the extra bucks to run their businesses too ... but they can't match the voting power of the farmer lobby.

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