EMERSON SAYS NO TO AGRICULTUE FUNDING BILL

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson voted against an agriculture appropriations bill because of his concerns about funding cuts that impact rural America and production agriculture.

One area Emerson said he was concerned about was further cuts in expanded world trade programs such as the Export Enhancement program, the Market Promotion program, and the Food for Peace program.

"We know that increasing our posture in the global trading market creates jobs here at home," said Emerson. "I can't figure out why the White House wants to snuff out those prospects," he said.

The congressman said he also objected to significant cuts in the Watershed and Conservation program; imposition of user fee taxes on the meat industry, which would cause significant price increases for consumers; and deep cuts in The Emergency Food Assistance program that serves as a commodity-based bridge between agriculture and food banks in the nation.

Said Emerson: "Clearly, agriculture is willing to pull its fair share of the budget reduction load. Unfortunately, this appropriations measure burdens agriculture far beyond what is fair."

The House passed the appropriations bill Friday on a 278-127 vote. The Senate is yet to take up its version of the funding measure, which will ultimately be reconciled with the House bill in a conference committee.

Emerson pledged to work with Missouri Sens. John Danforth and Christopher Bond to come up with a more acceptable funding plan.

"Although this appropriations measure included some good programs of which I approve, all in all it was weighted too inequitably," said Emerson. "My ultimate statement on this measure will be on the conference report. I hope it will be more even-handed and that I can support it."