Conrad Withdraws One Proposal, Holds Alternative for Conference

As votes on farm bill amendments continue - Senators will not vote on the target price proposal from North Dakota's Kent Conrad. He withdrew the proposal because he believes he has a more effective proposal to address problems in the farm bill. But Conrad doesn't intend to have the Senate vote on the alternative commodity title proposal - instead he'll wait until the bill goes to conference. Conrad's concern is revealing the offset he found to pay for the new provisions. If other Senators see it - he's afraid they will snatch it. Without giving too many details - Conrad did tell reporters Tuesday that some of his southern colleagues - who have been concerned that the current commodity title doesn't address the needs of rice and peanut growers - encouraged him to take the steps he has taken. As such - even if the bill does not address their concerns - he believes some southern Senators will vote for the measure on final passage. According to Conrad - his alternative proposal would be a good compromise position with the commodity program the House is likely to pass.

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