Prairie Public Broadcasting

Pomeroy: Farm bill supporters have a lot of work ahead BISMARCK, ND (Prairie Public) - Congressman Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) says supporters of a new farm bill have a lot of work ahead.

Last week -- by unanimous voice vote -- the House Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill proposal that Pomeroy says is very close to what he wanted. He says the proposal keeps the safety net -- the counter-cyclical payments to farmers -- and keeps the Conservation Reserve Program funded. It also caps subsidies.

Pomeroy says the challenge is to convince the House to go along.

"Collin Peterson (D-MN), the chairman, has asked me to lead a whip effort," said Pomeroy. "That means, rounding up the votes to pass this thing."

Pomeroy also complimented the Republicans on the committee. He says they had a chance to offer amendments, and some were adopted.

"Certainly, having a strong bipartisan showing of support for this package is a great start," said Pomeroy. "We really do have a consensus package."

Pomeroy says if the House passes it -- that should "jump start" the Senate into passing farm legislation -- and get the bill into a conference committee.
© Copyright 2013, Prairie Public