Is in passage, under a five minute rule. We'll update with more information when the vote is reported, and try to get a statement from Congressman's Walz's office.
The bill has passed with 231 votes in favor, 191 against. Minnesota's delegation voted along strict party line; nationwide, 19 Republicans voted for the bill, while 14 Democrats opposed it.
Bloomberg reports:
. . .The House bill, which reauthorizes all U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, spends about two-thirds of its money on nutrition-assistance programs such as food stamps. About 12 percent, $35 billion, goes to farm subsidies, the most controversial part of the bill because of their cost and impact on world trade.
The legislation raises potential payments to wheat and soybean growers, sets a $1 million income limit for subsidy recipients and requires that meat, fruit and vegetable products be labeled by their country of origin by Sept. 30, 2008.
Farm Bills Compared
Subsidies under the current farm bill are estimated to average about $12 billion a year. They would fall to about $7 billion annually under the House bill, which projects high commodity prices and less need for government payments. Overall spending goes from $49.5 billion a year to $56.8 billion because of increased funding for conservation and nutrition. . . .
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