House Approves Farm Bill, Sends To Senate

The vote was 251-166 with the House of Representatives passing the farm bill.

The Agricultural Act of 2014 now moves to the Senate for their consideration.

The bill has been long-delayed, and it cuts more than 20 billion dollars in agriculture programs.

In addition to those changes, the bill also has a one percent cut in the federal food stamp program.

Louisiana District Three Congressman Charles Boustany of Lafayette explain why he voted in favor of H.R. 2642:

"Having spoken with growers and producers across South Louisiana, I am fully aware of the issues facing our agricultural community. The Farm Bill strengthens the federal crop insurance program and reauthorizes the current sugar program at no cost to taxpayers. By ensuring illegal immigrants, the deceased, and lottery winners do not receive food stamps, the Farm Bill saves taxpayers money and institutes key reforms in the food stamp program. It cuts over $20 billion in government spending while still supporting America's rural communities and agricultural economy. This legislation provides certainty for our farmers, meets the food needs of consumers at home, and makes certain hard-working South Louisianans keep their jobs."

Some conservatives in the House wanted even deeper cuts to the food stamp program, but the bill does get rid of some farm subsidies.

It took a couple of years to get the bill passed in the House due to arguments over: