Trade and Agriculture

The farm bill passed the House Wednesday by a vote of 318-106, more than enough to override a Presidential veto if the Bush Administration follows through on its threats.

Many House Republicans broke ranks with both Bush and John McCain to vote in favor of the farm bill, The Hill's Ian Swanson reports.

A few lawmakers have shared their reactions to the farm bill's passage on The Hill's Congress Blog.

From Friday's press gaggle with White House Spokesman Tony Fratto:

Q Do you have any late read on the farm bill? The negotiators all but reached an agreement I guess last night.

MR. FRATTO: I heard they're talking. I don't have a good readout on exactly what they may or may not have agreed to. I do think it is incredibly ironic that we're talking about food prices, and globally, obviously, the food crisis and rising food prices here in the United States, at the same time we're talking about putting together a farm bill that supports higher prices for food and sends subsidies to some of the wealthiest Americans. So we're

The Senate has passed a two-week farm bill extension. The House has begun debate on the extension lasting until May 16.

The farm bill has been repeatedly extended since debate began on the bill last year. Reports indicate some House and Senate members are looking to cut subsidies granted to more wealthy farmers.

President Bush is using New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin

The Senate agreed on Thursday to extend the farm bill deadline to April 25th by a voice vote, giving lawmakers another week to pass the $280 billion 5-year bill.

On Wednesday, the House passed an extension after lawmakers were unable to resolve disputes over tax breaks.