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

HERSETH SANDLIN STATEMENT ON SENATE PASSAGE OF FARM BILL

Washington, D.C., December 14, 2007 – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin released the following statement regarding passage of the Senate version of the Farm Bill:

“I am very pleased that the Senate passed their version of the Farm Bill today, which clears the way for this bill to go to conference. There are many policy issues that need to be resolved in the coming weeks but I am confident that we can reach an agreement on a very strong final version and get this bill to the President.

“Many of my colleagues in Congress have strong feelings about what should be included in the Farm Bill as this comprehensive legislation affects every American. Certainly, the overriding and most challenging aspect of the conference will be how to allocate a finite pot of money into many worthy programs. As these tough decisions are made, I will continue to listen to South Dakota producers and be a strong advocate for a comprehensive and targeted farm safety net, the implementation of a country-of-origin labeling program, funding for important conservation and rural development programs, and the forward-thinking provisions in the energy title.”

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.