The Senate approved a five-year farm bill Monday afternoon.
Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly read the final tally for the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, "The Yeas are 66, the Nays are 27. The bill, as amended, is passed."
Donnelly said the common sense legislation gives farmers the certainty they need to make long-term decisions.
In remarks following the vote, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown said the Farm Bill affects every American, every day.
"It's a deficit reduction bill, it's a jobs bill, it's a conservation bill, and it's a rural development bill," he says. "And it's bipartisan."
Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin said farmers need the certainty that comes with a five-year farm bill.
"Creating jobs by investing in our rural communities, reforming our farm programs so they work for our family farmers, and putting an end to waste in our system is just common sense."
The focus now shifts to the House, who is expected to begin work on their version of the farm bill later this month.
Source: brownfieldagnews.com