WASHINGTON -- The Senate passed a $500 billion farm bill Monday that continues the price support program for sugar and boosts subsidies to help southern rice and peanut farmers purchase crop insurance. The vote was 66-27. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said continuation of the sugar program -- an amendment to eliminate it was defeated 54-45 -- and expansion of...
WASHINGTON -- The Senate passed a $500 billion farm bill Monday that continues the price support program for sugar and boosts subsidies to help southern rice and peanut farmers purchase crop insurance. The vote was 66-27.
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said continuation of the sugar program -- an amendment to eliminate it was defeated 54-45 -- and expansion of the crop insurance program for rice farmers makes the bill a good one for the state's critical agricultural business.
"This farm bill will give certainty to and support Louisiana's unique agriculture industry, our rural communities and the farmers that feed us all," Landrieu said. "This year's farm bill, which has the support of the Southern Agriculture Alliance, is much more advantageous for our rice producers than last year's version."
Sen. David Vitter, R-La., won inclusion of his amendment that would bar food stamps to people previously convicted of murder, pedophilia and violent sexual assault. His proposal to end a federal program that provides free cell phones and limited minutes to low-income Americans through a fee paid by cell phone customers - did not get a vote. He said the cell phone program is plagued with fraud.
Vitter said there is a misconception that a ban on food stamps for people who committed heinous crimes already exists. "In fact the only ban that exists is for drug felons, and in the law is an opt-out for states so the state can opt out of even that ban," Vitter said.
Critics said it is wrong to deny food stamps to low-income Americans who served their time for past criminal behavior.
"The amendment essentially says that rehabilitation doesn't matter and violates basic norms of criminal justice," said Robert Greenstein, president of the liberal Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. It means, he said, that a "man who was convicted of a single crime at age 19 who then reforms and is now elderly, poor and raising grandchildren would be thrown off (food stamps) and his grandchildren's benefits would be cut."
Supporters of the sugar program said it preserves a domestic sugar industry that employs over 12,000 in Louisiana. Critics said it inflates prices for candy and other products made with sugar.
One disappointment for Landrieu is that she could not get a vote on her amendment to delay for three years changes in the federal flood insurance program that could result in substantial premium increases for some policy holders. Landrieu said she would seek other ways to block large premium increases she fears would make the program unaffordable to some state homeowners.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said the 2013 farm bill, which sets farm policy for five years, will keep agriculture strong, but also reduce the federal deficit. It trims the federal food stamps program by $400 million a year and eliminating subsidies paid to farmers whether they farm or not. The farmers are protected, however, by an expansion in subsidies for the federal crop insurance program and strong funding for am agricultural conservation fund.
Some Republicans wanted bigger cuts in the federal food stamp program, reductions included in a pending House version of the farm bill, but were rebuffed by majority Democrats. Efforts by some Senate Democrats to restore the $400 million a year in food stamp cuts were also rejected.
Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain praised the bill.
"The farm bill drives the largest and most important sector of our overall economy," Strain said. "It also sets priorities to help us remain competitive in a global market. I want to thank Senator Landrieu for securing a Farm Bill that supports the fastest growing sector in our economy and that works for Louisiana."
Landrieu said agriculture is critical for Louisiana.
"As I've always said, farming is more than just a business or a job. It's a way of life and an important part of our culture--one that deserves our support," Landrieu said.