News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Betsy Hart, 202-226-8555

HERSETH SANDLIN STATEMENT ON SHORT TERM PLAN TO CONTINUE
FARM BILL PROGRAMS

Washington, D.C., December 12, 2007 – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin released the following statement regarding House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson’s announcement today of a three-month extension of the current Farm Bill as negotiations continue in the Senate on a new reauthorization.

“Chairman Peterson’s announcement today is a welcome sign that the Senate is moving forward constructively on the Farm Bill,” Herseth Sandlin said. “After all of the work that has gone into crafting this comprehensive legislation, it would be a shame to waste the good progress we have made in putting forth a forward-looking bill that does right by our producers. I am still committed to passing a new, strong farm bill. This short term extension will give us enough time to pass a farm bill early next year that best meets the needs of our producers and our country.”

The language will provide short-term continuing authority through March 15, 2008 for most programs in the 2002 Farm Bill in order to avoid potentially adverse budgetary changes before the new bill can be completed. It will not extend the 2002 commodity support programs to the 2008 crop year. Program provisions for the 2008 crop will be included in the new Farm Bill.

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