As the government shutdown stretches into its second week, the House of Representatives has sent a slew of temporary, partial spending bills to the Senate, many of which contain several efforts to weaken farm regulations.
The government shutdown, which is reaching its second week, has revolved around debates over government spending and President Barack Obama’s new healthcare reform. In order to agree to a continuing resolution, House Republicans have insisted on defunding or repealing Obamacare.
With the business of government having ground to a halt, Republicans have offered a series of minor spending bills that would reopen a select few sectors of government, but would also nullify several contentious regulations.
In particular, one Republican bill would have repealed new poultry farm regulations that gave federal inspectors power over the meatpacking industry. Independent and small farmers have opposed the amendment, arguing that it would hand over control of the poultry industry to major meatpackers. “It’s a totally outrageous for a handful of multinational corporations to waltz in while we are trying to keep the government open and insert these” provisions, said the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.
“Without these rules being written and enforced, you allow [meatpackers and poultry processors] to have control of the industry and set prices,” said Democratic Senator Jon Tester, another opponent of the amendments.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmloans.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer