Well-Rounded Farm Bill Helps Broad Range of Americans (Sen. Tom Harkin)

Yesterday I was pleased to bring to the floor of the Senate the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007, generally referred to as the farm bill.  But that title does not do justice to the range and scope of this bill.  Yes, the bill helps farmers and ranchers who produce an abundance of food and fiber, and who are contributing ever more to our nation’s energy security.  On top of that, it also helps conserve and protect the environment on tens of millions of acres of farmland, ranch land, and wetlands.  It is the most important legislation to allow millions of low-income American families put food on the table.  And, it is the single most important legislation for boosting economic growth and jobs and improved quality of life in rural communities across our nation.

The Food and Energy Security Act is a strong, forward-looking bill.  It will be good for farmers, good for rural communities, and good for the environment.  It will promote America’s health and improve energy security, while being fiscally responsible.  It won strong, bipartisan support in the Committee, and it deserves the same bipartisan support of Senators on the floor.

For additional information, please visit the Senate Committee on Agriculture’s Website.

Sen. Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.