Initiates process that would require vote if majority of House members sign on to so-called "discharge petition"
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today announced an effort that could effectively force the House of Representatives to vote on the 2012 Farm Bill before House members leave Washington for the August Recess.
If Congress fails to act by September 30th, the Farm Bill will expire and revert to the outdated 1949 version of the law. Congressional inaction on the Farm Bill is contributing to a sense of anxiety among Iowa's farmers and agriculture producers, compounded by worsening drought conditions that are threatening crops across the state. Already, much of the disaster assistance funding in the 2008 Farm Bill has expired, leaving many farmers without a safety net this year.
House leaders have blocked the chamber from voting on the Farm Bill prior to a month-long August recess. Braley's bill would force leadership to take up the Farm Bill, ensuring a vote that would give farmers much-needed economic certainty and security.
"Republicans and Democrats don't agree on much these days, but I believe they can come together to get the Farm Bill passed," said Braley. "Passing the Farm Bill now makes real Iowa common sense for farmers, consumers, and Iowa's economy. House leaders should not delay this vote any longer, and I'm taking action today to force a vote on this important issue. Iowans are depending on the Farm Bill for their future and cannot wait another five weeks to know the path forward."
House rules provide that a bill must receive an up or down vote if more than 218 members sign a document known as a 'discharge petition.' Braley's has taken the first steps to initiate the discharge petition process, creating a path forward that would circumvent House leaders' hold on the Farm Bill.
The Farm Bill is critically important for Iowa farmers and Iowa's economy, and would bolster the safety net for those struggling from this summer's drought. The hot weather and lack of rain have left farmers vulnerable to weak crops and struggling livestock.
Last week, Braley authored a letter, co-signed by the entire Iowa delegation, encouraging the House leaders to take up the Farm Bill. On Friday, Braley toured the farm of Gary and Vicki Owens near Palo to see firsthand what Iowa farmers are facing in this summer's drought.
A version of the Farm Bill has already passed through the Senate, and a committee in the House endorsed a version of the Farm Bill that was supported by both Democrats and Republicans.
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