13 | June | 2012 | Be a Seed for Change

Join Our Webinar to Learn about the Farm Bill

What does the Farm Bill have to do with you? The answer to that question is simple: a lot. The Union of Concerned Scientists is hosting a webinar to help you learn why, with the inside scoop from our experts.

Toward Healthy Food and Farms: How Science-Based Policies in the 2012 Farm Bill Can Transform Agriculture
Date: Thursday, June 14
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST (11:00 a.m.-noon PST)

When you’re grocery shopping, do you ever wonder why corn chips and sugary drinks cost less than carrots and squash? In large part, it’s because government policies make the wrong foods cheaper and more abundant. UCS analysis shows that practical changes to agricultural policies can shift priorities to provide greater support to healthier food and farms instead of subsidizing unhealthy, processed foods.

Congress is currently working to finalize the Farm Bill, and while we’ve seen some good changes, they’re not enough. And the chance to change these policies comes just once every five years!

The webinar will cover the latest Farm Bill news from Capitol Hill, followed by an overview of UCS analysis showing that support for local food can benefit the economy and our health. Finally, we’ll share how you can take effective action now to urge Congress to support healthy and sustainable food production in the 2012 Farm Bill.

Time is ticking down for us to encourage a healthy and sustainable food system, so register for the webinar today!

Sincerely,

Jenn Yates
National Field Organizer
UCS Food & Environment Program

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 13, 2012

Senate Rejects Effort To Cut Food Stamp Program

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
Following any Leader remarks, the next hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
At a time to be determined on Wednesday, Senators should expect 2 roll call votes in relation to the following amendments which are pending to S.3240, the Farm bill. Senators should expect the votes to be motions to table each of the amendments.

Reid amendment #2393, which is text of Shaheen amendment #2160 (Sugar) to the Reid amendment #2392 and
Reid amendment #2392, which is text of Paul amendment #2182 (SNAP).
Senators will be notified when the votes are scheduled. We continue to work on a larger agreement for amendments to the Farm bill and will notify Senators if an agreement is reached.

Senators should expect 2 roll call votes shortly (at approximately 12:00pm) on the following, in the following order:

Reid motion to table the Reid amendment #2393, which is text of Shaheen amendment #2160 (Sugar) to the Reid amendment #2392 and
Reid motion to table the Reid amendment #2392, which is text of Paul amendment #2182 (SNAP).

12:02pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Reid motion to table Reid amendment #2393, which is text of Shaheen amendment #2160 (Sugar); Tabled: 50-46

12:35pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Reid motion to table Reid amendment #2392 (SNAP); Tabled: 65-33

The following amendments and motion are pending to S.3240, the Farm bill:

Stabenow-Roberts amendment #2389 (managers’ amendment)
Reid 2nd degree amendment #2390 to amendment #2389 (date change)
Reid motion to recommit the bill with amendment #2391
Reid amendment # 2406 which is the text of Coburn amendment #2353 (to eliminate certain working lands conservation programs);
Reid amendment 2407 which is the text of DeMint amendment #2285 (convert all mandatory spending to discretionary spending)

The following amendment have been considered to S.3240, the Farm bill:

Reid 2nd degree amendment #2393 to amendment #2392 (the text of the Shaheen amendment #2160 – sugar); tabled: 50-46
Reid amendment #2392 (the text of the Paul amendment #2182 SNAP); tabled: 65-33

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to consider the next 4 amendments to the Farm bill. Senator Coburn objected. The request can be found below. Senator Reid then offered the following amendments:

Reid amendment # 2406 which is the text of Coburn amendment #2353 (to eliminate certain working lands conservation programs); and

Reid amendment 2407 which is the text of DeMint amendment #2285 (convert all mandatory spending to discretionary spending)

Reid’s UC request that Senator Coburn objected to:

Leader: I ask unanimous consent that the pending motion to recommit be withdrawn; that amendment #2390 be withdrawn; that the Stabenow-Roberts amendment #2389 be agreed to; the bill, as amended, be considered original text for the purposes of further amendment; that the following four amendments be the first amendments in order to the bill with no other first degree amendments in order until these amendments are disposed of:

– Coburn #2353;

– Hagan #2366;

– DeMint #2285; and

– McCaskill #2222.

That there be up to 60 minutes of debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, on each of the amendments; that upon the use or yielding back of time on all four amendments, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that there be no amendments or motions in order to the amendments prior to the votes other than motions to waive points of order and motions to table; that upon disposition of these amendments, the Majority Leader be recognized.

Senator Coburn objected.

—————————————————————————————————————

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 15, 2012.

Bills & Reports