The Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, sees problems in moves being made that could have an impact on the 2012 Farm Bill. Chairman Lucas points out that Republican Jeff Flake and Democrat Rosa DeLauro offered amendments that were accepted by the full Ag Appropriations Committee that have huge farm policy considerations in the final year of the 2008 Farm law, as well as what lawmakers may be able to do as the 2012 Farm Bill is crafted.

An amendment offered by Congressman Flake would reduce Commodity Title Spending for Direct Farm Payments to cotton producers to cover the 147-million dollars owed Brazil that is part of the settlement of the WTO cotton case brought against the United States. At the same time, Congresswoman DeLauro latched onto that 147 million dollar figure to up the spending levels for the WIC nutrition program.

Lucas expects to work with the Rules Committee and Republican leadership about these measures and their place within the appropriations measure- and he hopes to change the mind of Congress on the floor when this package is considered by the House.