The House approved a five-year farm bill Thursday after stripping the legislation of liability protections for pesticide manufacturers.
The 224-200 vote sets the stage for follow-up action by the Senate, where the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee has yet to introduce its own version of the critical measure for food, farming and rural development.
Fourteen Democrats voted for the bill, H.R. 7567. Three Republicans opposed it — Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming and Andrew Garbarino of New York.
“This is a great day for American farmers and American consumers,” House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) told reporters after the vote, adding that he expects Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) will soon move on a bill as well.
