FarmPolicy

Iowa Congressmen Highlight Farm Bill “Discharge Petition”

Jason Clayworth reported yesterday at The Des Moines Register Online that, “Partisan cooperation and the dire need for congressional action on a federal farm bill were two of the key points U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley emphasized during his stop Monday at The Des Moines Register’s soapbox at the State Fair.”

The Register article noted that, “The [farm] bill passed the Senate in June but has stalled in the Republican-controlled House because of intraparty divisions over spending.

“Braley, a Democrat from Waterloo, is seeking re-election in November and is being challenged by Republican Ben Lange of Independence. Braley promised to work with members of his own party as well as Republicans to pursue a legislative measure that would force the farm bill to the House floor for a vote.”

Rep. Braley’s complete presentation is available in the video below, and here is a clip of what he said about the Farm Bill process:

Rep. Braley indicated that, “Well, I’ve decided that I want to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to bring that [farm] bill to the floor, and if the leadership in the House isn’t willing to do it, then we’re going to try to make them do it by doing something called a discharge petition.

“And I’ve got Republican and Democratic colleagues who are working with me, as soon as that bill gets reported to the full House- so that we can start collecting signatures and get people to put pressure on the leadership to bring that bill to the floor.”

Recall that a news release from Rep. Braley’s office earlier this month stated that, “Because House rules require a waiting period between the time a bill is referred to a committee and when members can sign a discharge petition on it, Braley’s Farm Bill petition won’t be officially opened for signatures until after members depart for an August recess.”

Meanwhile, in a tweet yesterday, House Ag Committee Member Steve King (R., Iowa) (pictured at right) stated that, “Bruce Brayley has no discharge petition to move a House Ag Committee farm bill, not one single signature, including his own. Political games.”

-kg

Posted by Keith Good • August, 14, 2012 • 7:14 am