WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush opposes raising taxes to pay for increases in several programs in the new U.S. farm law, the top U.S. agriculture official said on Wednesday, as he underscored crafting a new farm bill as his top priority while in office. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, in his first sit-down with reporters since he was confirmed on Monday, said President Bush has told him now is the time to act on farm policy.
WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush opposes raising
taxes to pay for increases in several programs in the new U.S. farm
law, the top U.S. agriculture official said on Wednesday, as he
underscored crafting a new farm bill as his top priority while in
office.
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, in his first sit-down with reporters
since he was confirmed on Monday, said President Bush has told him now
is the time to act on farm policy.
"The president comes from an agriculture state and he understands
agriculture," said Schafer, who met with Bush on Tuesday. "It's time
for some good reforms. The president feels real strongly about that."
The White House has threatened to veto the five-year, $286 billion bill
if it raises taxes or fails to end crop subsidies to the wealthiest
Americans. Negotiators from the House and Senate are poised to write a
bill blending legislation from each chamber.
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Schafer said Bush strongly opposes a provision in the House and Senate
farm bill that pays for larger public nutrition, biofuel and land
stewardship programs. Congress said it gets the billions in new revenue
by closing loopholes, but the administration said it amounts to tax
increases.
House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson has said that unless the
House and Senate can come to an agreement on a new farm bill soon,
supports for milk, cotton and grain would double from current rates as
specified in a 1949 law. Peanuts, rice, sugar and soybeans are not
guaranteed a safety net.
Schafer said reverting back to the 1949 law would have "huge
ramifications" in delivering programs, in the price of food and in the
ability to deliver nutrition programs.
"This is a very serious situation if it were to happen," said Schafer.
"I'm sure Representative Peterson, when he becomes aware of the
ramifications of allowing that to happen, will see the proper course of
action and not allow it." ...
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