Strong Support in House for MAP, FMD Programs, but Farm Bill Fails to Advance
Published: Jun 20, 2013
During Wednesday’s debate on the House farm bill (H.R. 1947), an amendment offered by Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) to eliminate funding for the USDA Market Access Program (MAP) was defeated on a vote of 98 in favor of the amendment and 322 opposed. A similar amendment to eliminate funding for the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) was filed but not considered. Thank you to all who reached out to your members of Congress in support of these important programs.
On Thursday, however, a vote by the full House of Representatives to approve its version of the farm bill failed, with 195 members voting in favor and 234 opposed. While the Senate approved its version of the farm bill (S. 954) about two weeks ago, failure to move legislation through the House will place all programs funded by the farm bill in jeopardy. Without approval of a new bill or another extension of the 2008 farm bill, these programs are set to expire Sept. 30, 2013.
USMEF will provide further updates as more information becomes available on how the House leadership intends to proceed on this issue. Your continued support of MAP and FMD funding is very much appreciated.
On Thursday, however, a vote by the full House of Representatives to approve its version of the farm bill failed, with 195 members voting in favor and 234 opposed. While the Senate approved its version of the farm bill (S. 954) about two weeks ago, failure to move legislation through the House will place all programs funded by the farm bill in jeopardy. Without approval of a new bill or another extension of the 2008 farm bill, these programs are set to expire Sept. 30, 2013.
USMEF will provide further updates as more information becomes available on how the House leadership intends to proceed on this issue. Your continued support of MAP and FMD funding is very much appreciated.