WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ohio’s senators split along party lines on a vote to approve a massive five-year farm bill.
Democrat Sherrod Brown voted yes; Republican Rob Portman voted no. The bill passed, 66-27, and is on its way to the House where it faces an uphill battle.
“This bill saves more than $24 billion while maintaining important investments in conservation, nutrition, renewable energy, and rural development. Farmers across Ohio have told me they want a leaner, more efficient, and market-oriented farm safety net. Taxpayers deserve that too,” Brown said.
The legislation funds farm programs for five years and sets policies for agricultural subsidies and food aid.
The House is scheduled to take up the bill on June 17 a fight could be brewing with the Senate.
House Republicans want to make deep cuts in food stamp programs.
Food stamp rolls have increased greatly in the past few years due to the recession and the sluggish recovery.
Critics also question the continued expenditure of billions of dollars on agricultural subsidies.
Supporters, like the Ohio Soybean Council, claim the bill is “a concrete step toward reducing the Federal budget deficit and saves taxpayers money.”