The U.S. Senate today passed a farm bill that is expected to increase help for farmers in Washington state and elsewhere, sending the $290 billion bill to the president’s desk.
The Senate’s vote was 81-15. The House approved the same bill in a 318-106 vote on Wednesday.
The bill aims to set aside grants to help farmers who grow vegetables, fruits and nursery products to market and export their produce and conduct research. That’s considered one of the new key provisions for farmers in the Evergreen State.
Agriculture has remained the state’s biggest employer for decades, and many farmers in the state grow specialty crops such as apples, blueberries and pumpkins.
President Bush has said he wants to veto the bill saying the measure is too expensive and gives too much money to wealthy farmers. Supporters of the bill hope that the Congress would override the veto, if it happens.
All six senators from Washington, Oregon and Idaho voted in favor of the bill.
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