http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/04/26/massive-farm-bill-clears-senate
The Senate Agriculture Committee gave the thumbs up to the massive five-year, $500 billion Farm Bill that would eliminate direct payments to farmers, slash subsidies, bolster crop insurance, and consolidate conservation programs.
Lawmakers voted 16-5 to send the behemoth legislation to the Senate floor, brushing aside oppostion from Southern colleagues who claim the bill hurts their region and benefits the Midwest.
"By eliminating duplication, and streamlining and consolidating programs, we were able to continue investing in initiatives that help farmers and small businesses create jobs," said committee chairwoman Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., in a statement following the vote. "This bill proves that by working across party lines, we can save taxpayer money and create smart, cost-effective policies that lay the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous economy."