News Releases for February 2002
February 13, 2002
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Hoeven's Commends U.S. Senate Passage Of Farm Bill
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today commended the U.S. Senate for passing its version of a farm bill earlier today.
“Over the past year I have worked hard with Congress and the Bush administration to secure passage of a long term farm bill with an effective counter-cyclical safety net,” Hoeven said. “I am pleased that the Administration earmarked full funding for the bill, and that the senate has finally overcome their differences to arrive at a package that was passable.”
The bill now goes to a joint House-Senate conference committee. Senators and representatives will reconcile the version passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last October with the Senate bill passed today. The reconciled final version goes to the President’s desk. Hoeven pledged to work with the conference committee for swift enactment, enabling farmers to plan for their futures.
“Farmers and ranchers are understandably anxious to see the farm bill work completed as soon as possible, so that they can plan for this growing season,” Hoeven said. “I hope the conference committee will arrive at an agreeable compromise quickly, so that the farm program can be implemented this year. Any delays will undoubtedly push the implementation date ahead to 2003, which is unacceptable.”
Hoeven said he is encouraged that both the Senate and House have passed a bill. “North Dakota is a leader in production agriculture,” Hoeven said. “We must also lead the nation in crop diversification and value-added agriculture. Our farmers need support so that they can make investments in those opportunities of the future.”
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