Daily News Update, Dec. 13, 2007

Senators vote on Farm Bill amendments

Senate leaders are growing closer to finishing work on Farm Bill legislation and continue to work through Thursday evening and possibly into Friday.

Amendment No. 3666 offered by Sen. Tester of Montana, which would have limited packer ownership and alternative marketing strategies of cattlemen, failed by a vote of 55-40.  Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison both voted against the amendment.  TSCRA appreciates their efforts and those TSCRA members that weighed in against this amendment. 

TSCRA and NCBA continue to monitor a possible amendment by Sen. Chuck Grassley that would subject the cattle industry to more oversight and regulation by establishing a full-time special counsel whose sole purpose would be to prosecute those in the agricultural sector. 

If adopted, cattlemen would have to defend themselves against frivolous and unsubstantiated claims in order to prove innocence. This presumption of guilt before innocence is in direct conflict with our Constitution. 

This proposed language would also establish a task force that has unlimited authority to investigate marketing transactions that include those used in alternative marketing arrangements. These matters should continue to be addressed under the current regulatory and judicial structure that are in place.

The Senate also took a cloture vote to end debate on the Energy Bill, which failed. They now plan to take up the bill again before they adjourn, without some of the controversial tax provisions.  TSCRA continues to oppose the Renewable Fuels Standard increase in the bill and is working with NCBA to get this provision removed before final passage

For any questions on these activities, please contact Jason Skaggs, TSCRA Executive Director for Government Affairs and Public Relations, at 512-517-1482 or by email at jskaggs@texascattleraisers.org