“After last year’s drought we truly appreciate the Senate’s decision to protect and strengthen the federal crop insurance program,” Villwock said. “From day one in the debate, agriculture expressed its willingness to rework the farm bill to help reduce the federal deficit, and the budget savings level of $24 billion in this proposed farm bill is a big step toward that goal.”

The Agriculture Reform, Jobs and Food Act of 2013 passed the Senate last night by a vote of 66-27.  Both Indiana senators voted yea on the bipartisan legislation.

“We now look forward to working with the Indiana House delegation as it moves forward with its farm bill proposal,” Villwock said. “It’s important to get this work done in a timely manner so Hoosier farmers know what tools are in place for this year and for growing seasons to come.”

Donnelly votes in favor of Farm Bill; applauds Senate passage

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly Monday voted in favor of a five-year farm bill, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013.   The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 66 to 27.

“Tonight, I voted in favor of the bipartisan five-year farm bill,” said Donnelly.  “I’m pleased that the hard work of members of both parties resulted in passage of this bill.  I appreciated the opportunity to work on this legislation as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee with guidance given to me by members of Indiana’s ag community.  While no bill is perfect, the farm bill that passed the Senate tonight is common sense legislation that gives farmers the certainty they need to make long-term decisions.  I urge the House of Representatives to pass the farm bill to support our country’s farmers and producers.  America’s ag community deserves more than the partisan gridlock that prevented a five-year farm bill from passing last year.”

Coats supports cost-saving, bipartisan Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) Monday voted for the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, also known as the farm bill. The bipartisan bill passed by a vote of 66 to 27.

“Although I hoped Senate Democrats would have allowed the opportunity for members to improve the legislation, Hoosier farmers and agricultural producers have waited long enough for a farm bill,” said Coats. “This legislation will provide Indiana’s farmers with the assurances they need to plan and prepare their operations over the next five years. This farm bill also recognizes our nation’s current fiscal situation by including significant cost-saving measures.” 

The Senate Agriculture Committee estimated this year’s farm bill to save $18 billion over 10 years. In an attempt to further protect taxpayer dollars, Coats supported an amendment offered by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) that would have begun to dismantle a program that artificially raises sugar prices in the United States. Although the amendment failed, Coats urged for reconsideration of current U.S. sugar policies.

“American businesses and consumers have been paying a premium price for sugar due to a tangled web of price manipulation, stringent import quotas and tariffs,” said Coats. “If given access to sugar from the world market, Hoosier businesses like Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc. in Merrillville or Lewis Bakeries in Evansville would be able to save on operating costs.”

The Senate passed a five-year farm bill reauthorization last year, but the House of Representatives failed to take up the measure. The federal government currently is operating under an extension of the 2008 farm bill, which is set to expire on September 30.