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U.S. Senate Takes Up Farm Bill; Veto Still Anticipated

Story Created: May 15, 2008 at 7:19 AM CST

Story Updated: May 15, 2008 at 7:19 AM CST

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - The U.S. Senate is taking up debate on a $290 billion dollar farm bill that sailed through the House with a
veto-proof margin.

The bill doles out more subsidies for farmers and includes money for lawmakers' pet projects. About two-thirds of the bill would pay for nutrition programs such as food stamps and emergency food aid for the needy. Some $30 billion dollars would pay farmers to leave
their land idle and to other environmental programs.

The president is promising to veto the five-year bill saying it's too expensive and gives too much to wealthy farmers.

Bypassing the president's veto may prove an even easier task in the Senate where farm states have greater representation than in the House.

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