CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DAVIS VOTES TO APPROVE FARM BILL RE-AUTHORIZATIONJuly 27, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today announced the passage of the five-year reauthorization of agricultural policy. Commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, the legislation establishes farms, not foreign oil, as the focal point of energy policy, prevents millionaires from receiving farm subsidy benefits by imposing the first ever payment limits, expands nutrition programs for schools, and renews critical infrastructure programs targeted to rural areas in need.

"The Farm Bill encompasses much more than the name suggests," said Davis, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, who contributed to the bill’s construction and passage.

"This bill serves not only as a safety net for those who have clothed, fed, and kept our nation strong. It addresses some of our country’s most pressing issues, namely redefining our energy policy, which is a national security, environmental, and economic issue."

Among the many energy aspects of the Farm Bill is the reauthorization of the Sun Grant initiative to promote research into energy solution. The Southeastern Sun Grant Center at the University of Tennessee, one of five regional centers spread throughout the country, coordinates activity in nine states.

A centerpiece of the legislation cuts subsidies to multi-millionaires. This farm bill also ensures that nutritious foods are more widely available in Tennessee schools by expanding the USDA snack program, which helps schools provide healthy snacks to students during after-school activities.

The rural development title in the bill is the single most important piece of legislation for improving the quality of life in rural communities. It provides assistance to improve infrastructure such as electricity, drinking water, wastewater treatment, and high speed Internet access.