Wisconsin Ag Connection - Senate Farm Bill Passes. Baldwin Votes Yea, Johnson Nay

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Senate Farm Bill Passes. Baldwin Votes Yea, Johnson Nay
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 12/12/2018

Just as they did with the first draft back in June, Wisconsin's two U.S. Senators were split in their decisions when voting on the latest version of the 2018 Farm Bill on Tuesday. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said she was in favor of the $867 billion package, which included several provisions she authored including modifications to the Dairy Margin Protection Program and providing funds for mental health resources for agriculture workers.

"Wisconsin farmers are a key driver of our agriculture economy and the backbone of our rural communities, but right now our farmers are facing a perfect storm of challenges that have threatened their businesses and our communities," said Baldwin. "I've worked for strong investments and reforms in the 2018 Farm Bill to support our hardworking farmers, and ensure they have the tools to be successful and move our state forward. It's time for Congress to get the job done and get this bipartisan legislation to the President's desk."

Johnson, however, said the final legislation was too bloated with earmarks for him to support.

"Once again, senators were forced to vote on a 'farm bill' where nearly 80 percent of the spending was directed to SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program," Johnson said in a statement. "Eight years into a recovery, with unemployment at historically low levels, 13 percent of the population is still on food stamps. This is a level of participation normally experienced during recessions and high unemployment. I will continue to support Wisconsin's farm families and fight for their ability to sell their goods at fair prices around the world, but I will not support a 'farm bill' in name only that does not include needed reforms to a runaway spending program."

Senators voted 87-13 in favor of the so-called 'Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.' Johnson was one of 13 Republicans to vote no.

The House will now consider the measure before sending it to President Trump for his signature.

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