Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today joined colleagues in requesting a meeting with Majority Leader Eric Cantor to discuss the importance of allowing a five-year Farm Bill to be brought to the House floor so members can have a vote. Without congressional action, the 2008 Farm Bill and its authorized programs will expire at the end of this month. Simpson continues to urge his colleagues in the House of Representatives to bring a full reauthorization to the House floor for a vote. 

“Farmers and ranchers in Idaho and across the country need some certainty,” said Simpson. “Allowing the current Farm Bill to expire and certain agriculture programs, like the dairy program, revert back to early 20^th century laws at the end of this month is not an option.  We are running out of time, and Congress should be allowed to vote on a new five-year Farm Bill.”

This is the second letter Simpson has sent to House leadership asking to bring the new Farm Bill, already passed by the House Agriculture Committee, to a vote on the House floor.  Farm bill legislation addresses issues including agriculture, food stamps and nutrition, land and water conservation, and energy independence.