Bush, Congress set for clash over $300B farm bill

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2008 | by Sue Kirchhoff

WASHINGTON -- Congress and the White House this week head toward a collision over a five-year, $300 billion farm bill that the Bush administration says is stuffed with wasteful handouts to wealthy growers, but that supporters defend as a needed rural safety net that also expands nutrition aid for the poor.

President Bush is promising to veto the measure, which is expected to be on the House floor later this week and go to the Senate quickly thereafter.

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer acknowledges the administration could have a tough time mustering enough votes to make a veto stick, given wide support for the bill. Urban lawmakers back the legislation's increases in nutrition assistance, while those from rural areas support increases in conservation and...