The House of Representatives today took an historic step towards reforming farm policy by overwhelmingly supporting the $250,000 farm payments cap first proposed in the Senate Farm Bill.

The payment cap will level the farm playing field by allowing smaller farms to get a bigger portion of the farm subsidy pie, instead of just the crumbs. The wide vote margin of 265-158 sends a clear message that the final farm bill should include payment limitations. This effort would be the single biggest action Congress could take to protect family farmers and would effectively close the golden parachute for millionaire farmers.

Retaining the payment cap from the Senate bill will help to change the farm corporate welfare subsidy system to a system that can once again help and support struggling family farmers. While these mega-farms will still receive subsidies, payment caps are a step in the right direction for farm policy.

Contact: Keith Ashdown
(202) 546-8500 x110