WASHINGTON, DC— Congressmen Adrian Smith (R-NE), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, today commented House and Senate passage of an extension of the Farm Bill, which will last until May 2.

“Congress should not have to continually ask for more time to finish a bill which should have been signed into law seven months ago.  I appreciate the staff and Members of the Agriculture Committee who have been working to come up with a workable solution.  I trust a good faith negotiation is taking place,” Smith said.   

On July 27, 2007, the House passed its version of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419) by a vote of 231-191.  On December 14, 2007, the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill by a vote of 79-14.  The House and Senate have yet to reach an agreement on a final bill.