Aderholt Votes to Override President Bush's Veto to Protect Alabama Farmers

WASHINGTON - - U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) voted today to override the President’s veto of the 2008 Farm Bill. The reforms and funding provided in the bill will greatly benefit the agricultural interests in Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District and the State of Alabama. In addition, it will provide significant nutrition program improvements to help the growing number of Americans needing food assistance, including billions of new dollars for the food stamp program.

“Agriculture is a vitally important component of Alabama’s economy, and the 2008 Farm Bill provides a necessary safety net to our farmers,” Aderholt said. “It helps rural development and will provide needed relief for many Alabamians facing rising food costs.”

The Farm Bill extends and provides funding for conservation programs, including the Farm Protection Program and Wetlands Reserve Program. Other provisions in the bill provide for increased funding for working lands conservation and renewable energy. The legislation also includes $3.8 billion to supplement crop insurance losses. Aderholt stated, “The funds included in this bill for potential disasters, when added to insurance policies taken out by farmers, will provide vital assistance to Alabama farmers much more quickly than in the past.”