Both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate have approved the conference report of the federal Farm Bill. An overwhelming majority of the Senate, 81-15, voted in favor of the bill on Thursday, while the House passed the bill, 318-106, on Wednesday.
Renewed about once every five years, the comprehensive Farm Bill governs a wide range of agriculture policy, including programs for nutrition, aid for farmers, land conservation and rural development, research, forestry, energy, and foreign food aid.
This year’s Farm Bill also addresses animal welfare issues. Particularly, section 14207 of the bill seeks to further prohibit animal fighting ventures, and section 14210 seeks to limit the importation of live dogs into the United States if the dogs are younger than six months old and imported into this country for the purpose of resale.
The bill will now be forwarded to President Bush for his consideration. However, because of the proposal’s estimated $300 billion costs, President Bush has threatened to veto the bill. Members of Congress have stated that a vote to override a presidential veto is likely before Congress adjourns for the Memorial Day recess.
The American Kennel Club continues to monitor developments regarding the Farm Bill. Please return to akc.org for the latest information; or contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
Both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate have approved the conference report…