Dec 20, 2024
Agriculture and Trade
Crawford Statement Regarding Failure of Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act
Jun 24, 2013
Agriculture and Trade
Press
The Farm Bill
Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives failed to pass H.R. 1947, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act, by a vote of 195-234.
“I am extremely disappointed that the House failed to pass a Farm Bill, which means agriculture policy could revert to 1949 – causing drastic price increases for consumers and major disruptions for farm operators. This option is unacceptable. While the ill effects would hit everyone in America, rural states like Arkansas would be disproportionately affected.
“While the bill was not perfect, it took significant steps to root out waste and abuse, and reduce our debt while reforming farm programs so they work for the modern agricultural economy. This battle is not over yet. I will continue to work with Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Peterson, and all of my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee to pass a bill that gives our growers the certainty they urgently need. I am optimistic that Congress will soon remember who makes our country so great – the American farmer.”
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The House has two options going forward. The Agriculture Committee can craft a new bill or, since the Senate has already passed its version of the re-authorization bill, go to conference with no bill and negotiate without an official position. The latter option is the route the House took last year after it failed to pass a transportation bill.