U.S. Senate Passes Farm Bill, Now Awaiting Obama’s Signature

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

After three years of talks, the U.S. Democratic-led Senate passed a new five-year farm bill on Tuesday by a strong vote of 251-166.

The legislation will save $16.6 billion over 10 years, compared to the 2008 farm bill funding. About $8 billion in savings over 10 years comes from cuts to food stamps, which accounts for 80 percent of the bill’s spending.

The farm bill was passed by the Republican-controlled House last week, and will cost nearly $1 trillion. The food and farm legislation has been sent to President Barack Obama for his signature. White House officials have said that the president intends to sign the bill into law.

Most farm groups are satisfied with the bill, with the exception of a coalition of livestock groups who aren’t happy about the wording of the country-of-origin labeling rule. The controversial meat labeling rules are being challenged at the World Trade Organization later this month.