Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-Southwest Louisiana), Louisiana’s only representative on the House Agriculture Committee, today urged House and Senate leaders to pass a one year extension of the Farm Bill, which expired in September.

 

“As our farmers and ranchers get ready for the planting season, they need to know what they can expect from Congress,” said Boustany. “It is crucial for these families that the Farm Bill be passed by both Houses of Congress and signed by the President. Until then, Congress must move quickly to ensure USDA has time to implement these programs before the spring.” 

 

The House passed a bill in July, but it contained a massive tax increase added by Democratic House leadership two days before the final vote. Congressman Boustany voted against that bill because of the tax increase. He has fought to prevent tax increases and protect the commodity programs in the final bill. 

 

A one-year extension of the 2002 Farm Bill provides the needed stability that is not contained in a proposed three-month extension, while continuing to press forward on a new Farm Bill.